The failure rate for startups is high and there are plenty of common mistakes startup founders make. One that I see quite regularly is being greedy with your startup equity.   I get it. This business is your baby and the thought of giving up too much startup equity can be scary. After all, you might be letting go of potential future value.    However, you have to remember that in many cases your chances of being successful increase when you are able to land investors. Yes, you are going to have to give up some of your startup equity. But, would you rather own equity in a business that actually grows or one that never does because you were too afraid to take on an investor.