Equity tiers

Your capital. Your equity floor.

More capital means a more capable team for longer. B+D equity increases with tier — but your floor rises too.

Capital tier
You keep
B+D equity
Phase 1
Hrs/month
Leverage
£75,000
MVP + 90-day GTM
80%
20%
7 months
430 hrs
1.4×
£120,000
Full build + marketing sprint
84%
16%
9 months
500 hrs
1.3×
£175,000
Extended build + growth
88%
12%
12 months
500 hrs
1.2×
£250,000
Dedicated squad, full year
91%
9%
16 months
490 hrs
1.1×

Leverage = total team value deployed ÷ your capital. All at £35/hr blended rate across dev, design, product and QA.
£50k: 430 hrs × 5 mo × £35/hr = £75k team value. You pay £50k (67%). Leverage 1.5×.  |  £75k: 430 hrs × 7 mo × £35/hr = £105k. You pay £75k (71%). Leverage 1.4×.  |  £120k: 500 hrs × 9 mo × £35/hr = £158k. You pay £120k (76%). Leverage 1.3×.  |  £175k: 500 hrs × 12 mo × £35/hr = £210k. You pay £175k (83%). Leverage 1.2×.  |  £250k: 490 hrs × 16 mo × £35/hr = £274k. You pay £250k (91%). Leverage 1.1×.
The more you invest, the less leverage — and the more equity you keep. B+D's co-investment shrinks proportionally at higher tiers, which is why your equity floor rises.

How invoicing works

How the invoice split works.

Every month B+D invoices your company for team hours. At the £50k entry tier, you pay 67% of each invoice in cash; B+D waives the remaining 33% — that uncollected amount is recorded as their equity stake, not wired as cash into your company. At higher tiers you fund more of the invoice — B+D's waived share shrinks and so does their equity stake. Three worked examples below.

Example invoice · £50k tier · Phase 1 · Monthly
no VAT · 430 hrs · £35/hr blended rate
Invoice total
Buildnetic + Digiconnekt combined
£15,000
430 hrs · £35/hr
You pay
From your capital account
£10,000
67% of invoice
B+D absorbs
Recorded as equity co-investment
£5,000
33% → our stake
VAT: The new company formed for your venture is not VAT-registered at the point of incorporation. No VAT is added to your invoices — the amounts shown are exactly what you pay.
5 months
Phase 1 duration. £50,000 ÷ £10,000/month = 5 months.
£75,000
Total team value. 430 hrs × £35/hr × 5 months. You keep 75% equity.
1.5× leverage
£75k team value ÷ £50k your capital = 1.5×. Entry tier: highest leverage, 75% equity floor.
Example invoice · £120k tier · Phase 1 · Monthly
no VAT · 500 hrs · £35/hr blended rate
Invoice total
Buildnetic + Digiconnekt combined
£17,500
500 hrs · £35/hr
You pay
From your capital account
£13,300
76% of invoice
B+D absorbs
Recorded as equity co-investment
£4,200
24% → our stake
VAT: The new company formed for your venture is not VAT-registered at the point of incorporation. No VAT is added to your invoices — the amounts shown are exactly what you pay.
9 months
Phase 1 duration. £120,000 ÷ £13,300/month ≈ 9 months.
£158,000
Total team value. 500 hrs × £35/hr × 9 months. You keep 84% equity.
1.3× leverage
More your capital, less B+D co-investment — and higher equity floor for you.
Example invoice · £250k tier · Phase 1 · Monthly
no VAT · 490 hrs · £35/hr blended rate
Invoice total
Buildnetic + Digiconnekt combined
£17,150
490 hrs · £35/hr
You pay
From your capital account
£15,600
91% of invoice
B+D absorbs
Recorded as equity co-investment
£1,550
9% → our stake
VAT: The new company formed for your venture is not VAT-registered at the point of incorporation. No VAT is added to your invoices — the amounts shown are exactly what you pay.
16 months
Dedicated squad for 16 months — the longest Phase 1 in the programme.
£274,000
Total team value. 490 hrs × £35/hr × 16 months. You keep 91% equity.
1.1× leverage
Near market-rate cost — but you retain 91% of your company and no board seats.
Sprint structure

Three phases. Defined exits at every step.

You're never locked in. Every phase-end is a clean decision point.

Months 1–5 (£50k tier)

Phase 1 — The build sprint

Buildnetic and Digiconnekt deploy the agreed hours each month. At the £50k entry tier you pay 67% of each invoice in cash; B+D waives the remaining 33% — that uncollected portion is recorded as their equity stake. No cash from B+D enters your company. At higher tiers you pay proportionally more — see the leverage table. Month 1 is probationary — exit before it completes and zero equity vests. Complete Month 1 and 5% vests immediately. From Month 2 onwards, 5% vests at the end of each completed month.

Exit any month-end — B+D keeps only vested equity. No penalties.
Months 6–7

Phase 2 — Continued delivery

400 hours over 2 months (200/month) of continued delivery after Phase 1 completes. How it works depends on where your capital sits at that point:

Capital remaining — B+D bills for these hours at the same rate and invoice structure. No new equity ceiling; same split as Phase 1.

Capital fully deployed — B+D continues as co-founders. No additional cash required, no new equity. We're invested in the same outcome and treat this as our follow-on — except instead of cash, we invest time.

Available on the £50k and £75k tiers. Higher tiers have longer Phase 1 sprints that cover this scope within the main sprint.

Available automatically. No renegotiation needed.
Month 7 onward

Phase 3 — Review point

Both sides review. Exit cleanly — you own all code, all IP, cap table is final. Or by mutual agreement, extend for up to 3 more months across all tiers. Same invoice structure, no new equity ceiling. "Mutual agreement" means both you and B+D must opt in — neither party can be compelled to extend.

Extension by mutual agreement only. No obligation on either side.
Equity vesting

You only pay for what gets delivered.

B+D equity vests in equal monthly tranches — not upfront. Stop at any point and we keep only what's vested.

How vesting works

At the £50k entry tier: 25% total equity vests over 5 months — 5% per month, including Month 1. Month 1 is probationary: if either side exits before Month 1 completes, zero equity vests. Once Month 1 completes, 5% is locked in. If the sprint stops after Month 3 (all 3 months complete), B+D keeps 3 × 5% = 15%. The remaining 10% lapses entirely.

Month 1 — ProbationaryExit before Month 1 completes → 0% equity vests, clean exit for both sides. Complete Month 1 → 5% vests at month end. Either side may exit with 14 days' notice during this period.
Months 2–5 — Continued vesting5% vests at the end of each completed month. Permanent once vested — not clawable regardless of how the sprint ends.
Early exitOnly vested tranches retained. Unvested equity lapses — not deferred, gone.
Code ownershipYours from day one, regardless of when or how the sprint ends.
Founder protections

Built-in from the start.

These aren't negotiable — they're in the structure by default.

🔒
Your capital stays in your account

Incorporated into a UK Ltd you control. You are the sole signatory. Nothing moves without your approval.

📋
You approve every invoice

B+D cannot draw down capital without a signed invoice you've reviewed. Full audit trail, every month.

💻
Code ownership from day one

All IP, repositories, and assets are assigned to your UK Ltd via the shareholder agreement's IP assignment clause — effective from day one of the sprint. This means even if the sprint ends during Month 1, all code and work product created belongs to your company. No licensing. No retention.

🚫
No board seat. No veto.

B+D holds equity but has no governance rights. You run the company. We advise, build, and grow — not govern. As a minority shareholder, B+D receives agreed management updates (quarterly by default) — standard practice for any equity holder, and defined in the SHA.

🔓
No service exclusivity after exit

Once the sprint ends, you are completely free to work with any third-party provider. No lock-in, no handcuffs.

📊
Advisor allocation capped

Up to 2% of B+D's bloc can go to an advisor — agreed in writing by both sides. Your stake never moves.

UK Government Scheme · SEIS

Your worst-case exposure: £15,000 — or less.

The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme gives qualified UK investors 50% income tax relief — immediately. Add loss relief if the venture doesn't work out, and your maximum exposure on a £50k investment drops to £15,000. For that, you get a full named tech and growth team, and a live UK company. Conditions apply — AGS Accountancy can confirm your eligibility →

🇬🇧 SEIS + Loss Relief · £50k example · 40% taxpayer
How the numbers stack up in the worst case
Step 1 — SEIS income tax relief (immediate)
You invest £50,000
HMRC returns 50% as income tax relief −£25,000
Net cost after SEIS £25,000
Step 2 — Loss relief if venture closes (40% rate on net loss)
40% of £25,000 net loss −£10,000
Maximum exposure £15,000
SEIS income tax relief claimed via self-assessment. Loss relief applies only if the company closes and shares are disposed of. Subject to sufficient income tax liability and HMRC qualifying conditions. Not financial advice — verify with AGS Accountancy.
45% taxpayer scenario (income £125,140+)
SEIS relief (50%) — same as above −£25,000
Loss relief @ 45% of £25,000 net loss −£11,250
Maximum exposure (45% rate) £13,750
For that £15,000 — what you get
Full engineering team (Buildnetic) for 5+ months
Full growth team (Digiconnekt) for 5+ months
A live UK Ltd company in your name
SEIS admin and accounts handled
75%+ equity — yours, unconditionally
SEIS also covers
Up to £200k qualifying SEIS investment per tax year
CGT and disposal reliefs may apply — varies by your tax position as a director-shareholder
AGS Accountancy will advise on what applies to you specifically
AGS Accountancy Ltd
Our SEIS partner. They handle your SEIS registration, company formation, and confirm your eligibility — before you commit a penny.
agsaccountancy.com ↗
Key legal questions

What the shareholder agreement covers.

You should have the SHA reviewed by your own solicitor before signing — we'll provide it in advance of any deadline. Here's the plain-English summary of the key terms.

📝
What happens when I raise external investment?

B+D dilutes pro-rata on any new funding round — same as all other shareholders. They hold no anti-dilution rights and no pre-emption right to block a round. Your ability to raise is unrestricted.

🚪
Leaver provisions

B+D is a "good leaver" if the sprint completes naturally or by mutual exit. Unvested equity lapses entirely. There are no penalties, claw-backs, or cash obligations on B+D's departure beyond the vesting schedule.

🔗
Drag-along / tag-along

Standard tag-along rights protect B+D's minority. If you sell 100% of the company, B+D can sell their stake on the same terms. Drag-along allows the majority (you) to compel B+D to sell in a full acquisition.

⚖️
Dispute resolution

English law governs. Disputes go to mediation first, then arbitration if unresolved. Neither party has a unilateral right to dissolve the company. The SHA is drafted by UK commercial solicitors.

💼
Can I bring in my own developers?

Yes — you can hire additional resource at any time. B+D is your co-founder team, not an exclusive supplier. No approval needed. You run the company.

🌍
Do I need to be UK-based?

Non-UK founders can participate and incorporate a UK Ltd. However, SEIS requires a UK income tax liability — non-UK-resident investors will not qualify for SEIS tax relief. Verify with AGS Accountancy before committing if you're outside the UK.

Independent legal review: We encourage every founder to have the SHA reviewed by their own solicitor. We'll share the full document during the intro call — before any signing deadline. The SHA was drafted by UK commercial solicitors and is available for independent review on request.
Frequently asked questions

Everything founders ask before signing.

Plain answers. No sales language. If your question isn't here, ask it on the intro call — we'll answer it directly.

💰 Money & structure
Where does my £50k actually go?
It stays in your company's bank account. You don't transfer it to B+D upfront. Each month, your company receives an invoice for team hours delivered. You pay from your capital account — typically £10,000/month at the £50k entry tier. B+D absorbs the remaining 33% of each invoice as equity co-investment. You control the account and approve every payment.
What if I run out of capital before Phase 1 ends?
Phase 1 is structured so your capital covers the full sprint. At the £50k tier, 5 months × £10k = £50k exactly. If you exit early by choice, you stop paying and B+D keeps only the equity that has vested to that point. There are no clawbacks, no penalties, and no obligation to top up.
What is the VAT position?
The new company incorporated for your venture starts below the UK VAT registration threshold. No VAT is charged on Phase 1 invoices — the amounts shown on pricing are exactly what you pay. This is one of the structural benefits of incorporating a new entity specifically for the programme.
Can I invest more than one tier's worth of capital?
Yes. The five tiers (£50k–£250k) reflect different sprint durations and team scopes. Choosing a higher tier means longer Phase 1, more hours deployed per month, and a higher equity floor for you. You choose your tier before signing — it's fixed in the SHA.
Are there any hidden fees — legal, setup, admin?
No. Company incorporation is included. AGS Accountancy's SEIS eligibility confirmation is at no charge. The SHA is provided for independent review before you sign anything. Your cost is the monthly invoice amount — nothing else is added.
What entity do I contract with?
Macaire Solutions Ltd (Companies House: 15754659, England & Wales) is the contracting entity for all Founder75 operations. Buildnetic and Digiconnekt are trading names. Your SHA, invoices, and company incorporation all run through the UK entity. You can verify registration at Companies House.
📊 Equity & ownership
How does B+D's equity vest — and what stops them keeping it all if the company fails?
Equity vests monthly, in equal tranches. Month 1 is probationary — if either side exits before Month 1 completes, zero equity vests, clean break. From Month 1 onwards, 5% vests per completed month (at the £50k tier). Stop at Month 3 and B+D has 15%; the remaining 10% lapses permanently. Unvested equity can never be claimed.
What if I want to exit halfway through — do I owe B+D anything?
No. Exit at any month-end with no penalties. B+D keeps only the equity vested at that point. You keep all code, all IP, and full ownership of the company. There is no obligation to continue beyond each completed month, and no cash payment is owed to B+D on exit.
Does B+D get a board seat or voting rights?
No board seat. No veto rights. No governance involvement. B+D holds equity but you run the company. As a minority shareholder they receive standard quarterly management updates — the same information any minority equity holder would receive under UK company law. You make all operational decisions independently.
What happens to B+D's equity when I raise a funding round?
B+D dilutes pro-rata on any new funding round — identical treatment to all other shareholders. They hold no anti-dilution rights and no pre-emption right to block investment. Your ability to raise external funding is completely unrestricted. This is explicitly stated in the SHA.
Can I buy back B+D's equity later?
Yes, by mutual agreement. There is no mandatory buyback clause in the SHA, but nothing prevents you negotiating a buyout of B+D's vested stake at a fair market price after the sprint. Many founders in similar structures do this before a larger funding round. The SHA will set out any agreed right of first refusal.
I already own 100% of my company — how does the structure work?
Founder75 incorporates a brand new UK Ltd for your venture. You don't use your existing company. The new company starts with a clean cap table — you receive your founder shares, and B+D receives equity tranches as they vest monthly. Your existing company and any other holdings are completely separate.
🏛 SEIS & tax relief
When do I actually receive the SEIS tax relief — is it really immediate?
You claim the 50% income tax relief in your Self Assessment return for the tax year you invest. HMRC processes it and pays it out within weeks or months of your filing. You do not wait 3 years. The 3-year period is a retention condition only — if you sell shares within 3 years, HMRC claws back the relief already paid. As long as you're building the company, the 3-year condition is naturally satisfied.
I'm a higher-rate taxpayer — what's my actual worst-case?
For a 40% taxpayer investing £50k: −£25k income tax relief + −£10k loss relief = £15,000 worst-case net exposure. For a 45% taxpayer: −£25k income tax relief + −£11,250 loss relief = £13,750 worst-case. Both assume the venture fails entirely. If it succeeds, your upside is uncapped. AGS Accountancy confirms your exact position before you commit.
I'm the founder and I hold most of the shares — can I still claim SEIS?
The SEIS 30% shareholding rule applies to the investor, not the founder per se. HMRC's "associates" definition includes spouse, civil partner, parents, and children. The key is in the share structure at incorporation: AGS Accountancy designs the cap table so the SEIS-qualifying shares represent ≤30% of total issued capital. This is handled structurally — it's not a DIY calculation. AGS confirms before incorporation.
Can a family member invest and claim SEIS instead of me?
Potentially yes — if they have their own UK income tax liability and the cap table is structured so their qualifying holding is ≤30% (accounting for your shares as "associated"). This is viable in some structures but depends entirely on the specifics. AGS Accountancy advises on family co-investment during incorporation planning. Do not assume it works without getting their confirmation.
What if I don't qualify for SEIS?
The programme still works without SEIS. You invest the full amount, B+D waives their share of each invoice as their equity stake, and the leverage model applies exactly as normal — no cash from B+D enters your company either way. The £15k worst-case floor becomes £50k worst-case — still offset by the equity and product value you're building. AGS Accountancy confirms eligibility before you commit anything. There's no charge for that confirmation.
Can I carry back SEIS relief to the previous tax year?
Yes. SEIS allows you to treat the investment as if made in the previous tax year — useful if you've already filed this year's return or want to reclaim against last year's income tax. AGS Accountancy handles the carry-back election as part of your SEIS claim filing. This is one of the features that makes SEIS particularly attractive for senior executives with large prior-year tax bills.
🛠 Team & delivery
Who exactly is building my product?
Named engineers, designers, product managers, and QA from Buildnetic and Digiconnekt — operating companies with existing live client bases. These are not freelancers hired for your project. The core team is listed on the about page with LinkedIn profiles. You will meet the team on the intro call before signing anything.
How are hours tracked and verified?
Monthly timesheets are provided with each invoice showing hours by team member and workstream. You review and approve each invoice before payment. If hours are disputed, the invoice is held — you are never auto-charged. The SHA specifies the invoicing, approval, and dispute process explicitly.
Can I hire my own developers alongside the B+D team?
Yes, at any time and with no approval needed. B+D is your co-founder team, not an exclusive supplier. You run the company and can bring in additional resource — contractors, employees, or agencies — as you see fit. B+D's equity is tied to their own delivered hours, not to being your only delivery partner.
What if I'm unhappy with the quality of delivery?
You hold approval rights over every invoice. If delivery doesn't meet agreed standards, you raise it before approving payment. The SHA specifies deliverable standards and a resolution process. Ultimately, you can exit at any month-end — B+D only keeps what has vested, which directly ties their equity incentive to maintaining quality throughout the sprint.
I still have my day job — how much time do I need to commit?
Founder75 is designed specifically for founders who can't go full-time yet. You'll need to be available for weekly check-ins, product decisions, and approving invoices — typically 3–6 hours per week in Phase 1. The team handles execution; you handle direction. We'll establish a working rhythm on the intro call based on your schedule.
What happens to my code and IP if I exit?
You own 100% of all code and IP from day one. It is developed in your company and assigned to your company — not to B+D or Macaire Solutions. On exit, nothing changes hands. There is no IP licence, no revenue share, and no ongoing obligation. The SHA explicitly confirms this. Your solicitor should verify it before signing.
🗓 Programme structure
Is this a cohort — do I start on a fixed date with other founders?
The first cohort is capped at 12 founders and starts together to allow co-design of the programme. As a first-cohort founder you have direct input on how Founder75 works — a level of access that won't exist in later cohorts. After the first cohort, rolling applications will be accepted. Cohort 1 start date is confirmed on application.
What does "Phase 2 continued delivery" actually mean in practice?
After Phase 1, B+D deploys 200 hrs/month for 2 additional months. If capital remains in your account, B+D bills for these hours at the same rate — same invoice structure, no new equity. If your Phase 1 capital is fully deployed, B+D delivers Phase 2 as co-founders at no additional cash cost, investing time to protect the value of their vested equity. Either way, the product keeps moving.
What happens at the Phase 3 review point?
Both sides review product progress, market traction, and strategic direction. Three outcomes: (1) Clean exit — you own the company and all IP, cap table is final, no further obligations. (2) Mutual extension — up to 3 more months under the same invoice structure, no new equity ceiling. (3) New agreement — if both sides want to continue differently, that's a separate negotiation. Neither party can be compelled to extend.
Do I need to be based in the UK?
No. Non-UK founders can incorporate a UK Ltd and participate fully. However, SEIS requires a UK income tax liability — if you're non-UK-resident you will not qualify for SEIS tax relief (though the programme itself still works). Verify your SEIS position with AGS Accountancy before committing if you're based outside the UK.
What stage does my idea need to be at?
You don't need a product. You need a clear problem, a target market, and capital ready to invest. B+D will help validate and build from idea to live product in Phase 1. If you already have early validation or an MVP, the team scopes the sprint accordingly — more build, less discovery. This is discussed and agreed in the intro call.
How do I know Founder75 is real — this looks like it could be a consultancy rebranded?
Fair question. Macaire Solutions Ltd (CH: 15754659) is verifiable on Companies House. Buildnetic and Digiconnekt are live operating businesses with client bases — not vehicles created for this programme. Piyush Mishra is named, has a public LinkedIn profile, and will be on your intro call. The SHA is drafted by UK commercial solicitors and provided before signing. You are encouraged to have it independently reviewed. We'd rather lose a sceptical founder who doesn't verify us than sign one who skips due diligence.
Still have a question?
Ask it on the 30-minute intro call — no commitment, no sales pitch.
Book intro call →
This is for
Senior professionals with validated market evidence.
VP, Director, or C-suite with domain expertise
Has £50k+ capital and UK income tax liability for SEIS
Idea validated — customer conversations, LOIs, or waitlist
Can commit 4–6 hours per week while employed
Wants a co-founder team, not an outsourced agency
This is NOT for
We'll say so clearly at the intro call.
Idea-stage founders with no external validation
Those seeking a traditional agency at a day rate
Founders who cannot commit regular weekly hours
Non-UK residents without UK income tax liability (SEIS won't apply)
Anyone expecting a passive return with minimal involvement
Which entity do you contract with? All Founder75 UK operations — invoicing, company formation, and the SHA — are through Macaire Solutions Ltd (Companies House: 15754659, England & Wales). Buildnetic and Digiconnekt are trading names of the same group. Your company formation is a separate UK Ltd in your name, incorporated by AGS Accountancy.
SEIS Eligibility — Explained Plainly

Two questions that determine whether SEIS applies to you.

AGS Accountancy confirms your eligibility before you commit a penny. But here's what the rules actually say — in plain English.

Company conditions — all met automatically in Founder75
Less than 3 years old at time of investment
Fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees
Gross assets under £350,000 before investment
UK-resident · not listed on a recognised exchange
Carries on a qualifying trade (tech/product companies do)
SEIS advance assurance filed by AGS before Month 1
Because the company is newly incorporated as part of the Founder75 structure, all of these are true by default. AGS Accountancy files for SEIS advance assurance with HMRC during incorporation.
The 3-year rule — commonly misunderstood
You do not wait 3 years to get the tax relief. The 50% income tax relief is claimed in your Self Assessment return for the same tax year you invest — HMRC pays it out within weeks or months.
The 3-year period is a retention condition: if you sell or transfer your shares within 3 years of issue, HMRC claws back the income tax relief already paid. As long as you're building a company — which is exactly what Founder75 is for — this condition is naturally satisfied.
In practice: You get the £25,000 HMRC payment within a few months of filing your return. You retain it by simply not selling your shares for 3 years — which, for a company you're building, is never the plan anyway.
📊
The 30% rule — and how the structure solves it
The SEIS investor must not hold (directly or through associates) more than 30% of the company's ordinary share capital. "Associates" includes spouse, civil partner, parents, and children — so your family's combined holding counts toward your 30%.
This is the rule most commonly tripped over in founder-led companies. The solution is in the share structure at incorporation, not in workarounds. AGS Accountancy designs the cap table so the SEIS-qualifying shares represent a ≤30% slice of total issued capital — satisfying the rule while preserving the founder's operational control.
Family co-investor option: If a spouse or close family member has their own UK income tax liability, they may subscribe for SEIS shares independently — provided the cap table is structured to keep their qualifying holding within 30%. AGS Accountancy will advise on this specifically during incorporation planning.
Other investor conditions
Must have a UK income tax liability in the year of investment
Not be a paid employee of the company (director is permitted)
Maximum £200,000 SEIS investment per tax year
Shares must be held for minimum 3 years (see above)
AGS Accountancy confirms your personal SEIS eligibility and designs the cap table structure during incorporation — before you commit. If SEIS doesn't apply to you (or a family co-investor), the programme still works — you invest the full amount without the tax relief offset. Book a free SEIS eligibility check with AGS →

Ready to apply?

Applications reviewed within 5 business days. We'll tell you honestly if it's not a fit.