[ilickpoolalgae]

There's a lot of missing information here that can change things.

* Have y'all formed a corporation already? * What sort of equity split did you decide in the early days and do you have it in writing? * Did you have equity splits for the other students that helped?

It's probably best to work through an equity conversation for everyone whose contributed and not treat your friend's wife as a special case. If indeed, her contribution was significantly more, then it would make sense for her to have more equity than others once you establish the company, if you haven't already. Also note, that if you don't already have a vesting schedule you should institute one, not only for yourself but all the employees. You can potentially backdate that to the "start date" for each individual.

As for founder status, if you do end up determining that her fair equity split is significant portion of the company, it may be warranted.

All of the above probably requires a lawyer to do incorporation, write equity vesting policy, etc.