SpeakUp

Starting a Business

C1career

Maya's flat, the morning the rival firm's collapse hit the news

The headline made the decision for her: the rival firm she had nearly joined had collapsed overnight. With that door shut for good, Maya set out on a bolder path. She would start her own company. The numbers were daunting, but a lean studio could bring in real money — if the idea ever worked out.

First, the paperwork. The city had just brought in strict new rules for startups, and Maya hunted for a clever, above-board way to get around the worst of the red tape.

A cafe table with Dan, her would-be business partner, contracts between them

Dan slid a draft across the table. Before they could sign, the two of them had to reach an agreement on the split.

Dan: Fifty-fifty, Maya, or I walk. I'm putting my savings into this.

Dan: Deal. Then let's sign before either of us loses our nerve.

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