The key is co-ownership, not just of equity but also of the vision and mission. Clearly define roles and responsibilities. Ensure that your co-founder/s share your passion and understand the potential of the idea. Keep communication open and transparent. Regular brainstorming sessions and goal-setting can help maintain motivation. Remember, shared enthusiasm is contagious!
Understand what motivates them specifically and reframe how my idea can bring that to them. For example, if they care a lot about revenue, then you want to talk about how this idea can really increase your customer LTV.
I managed to do this 3x.
It takes time. For sure not done in a day. I usually make a communication channel to talk about something that caught my interest.
Make sure that I know what my partner's inner motivators are, and talk about those in our chat.
Partner A is into 'design'
Partner B is into 'prestige'
Drop hints, data points, customer lists, design awards that other incumbents got on the industry, and work my way to influence like this.
Then, I start sharing my prototypes. If I see them getting involved, I let them dabble at it.
At the moment that you hear them say 'I wish I was working on (frank's idea) instead of what I am doing now' you know you hit a good spot.
After that, you commit, they commit, and hopefully the morale still is up as you go through the long and taxing process of building business.
Well, I just describe how their passions and experiences would work perfectly for the idea I'm working on and how their role would be important in the business and also a great learning experience for them.