That's interesting, but I think wrong. First, a founding CEO doesn't need 75% versus 50% to keep them motivated. Second, if your are both going all-in, and your partner thinks you are worth 60%, you'd better have good reason to think you're only worth 25%. I could understand talking yourself down to 50/50 or 40/60, but 25%? That's makes no sense at all.
As I said, "You might pick a different number." I'm only arguing that declining all the equity you are offered isn't a WTF in and of itself.
As for the specific numbers... I really couldn't say anything without knowing the parties involved. Maybe these are completely fabricated to make a simple point, which is that he doesn't want to be lowballed, and he isn't outrageously greedy either.
