Most people seem to want to do these models because of “compassion” and whatever else.

Why not just not be greedy af?

Is it really that hard to not raise VC, bootstrap, pay a fair salary, and then give bonuses?

You’d probably get a lot more done as the benevolent dictator (you’re the CEO) and ensure that while you run the business you’re doing something “nice”.

Even if you take VC money you really aren’t fucking anyone over. People join your company voluntarily. You take the biggest risk as the founder early on. Employees stand to make 1x to 50x on their options depending on when they joined and if you’re successful.

Even if you’re not, at least you paid them and it was all voluntary.

Let me know if I’ve totally missed the point. From my pov all this co op stuff is just noise and only works for something like a consultancy.