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  • December 2012
  • Article
  • Harvard Business Review

How Much Is Sweat Equity Worth?

By: Christopher Marquis and Joshua D. Margolis
  • Format:Print
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Abstract

The article presents a case study of a business decision related to the valuing of sweat equity in a start-up business. One man starts a premium vodka business, bringing in his cousin at an early stage, but with no initial discussion of the eventual split of equity or managerial control between the two. The article offers each man's case for his ownership stake in a narrative style, and then presents various views of how and what they should decide.

Keywords

Valuation; Ownership Stake; Business Startups

Citation

Marquis, Christopher, and Joshua D. Margolis. "How Much Is Sweat Equity Worth?" R1212X. Harvard Business Review 90, no. 12 (December 2012).
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About The Author

Joshua D. Margolis

Organizational Behavior
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More from the Authors
  • Darden Restaurants: The Nine Square Feet By: Joshua D. Margolis and James Barnett
  • Is This the Right C-Suite Role? By: Anne Donnellon, Joshua D. Margolis and Amy Gallo
  • Nayana Mawilmada: Transforming Urban Development in Sri Lanka By: Joshua D. Margolis and Mahima Rao-Kachroo
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