That is looking at it from a valuation standpoint, from my perspective 51/49 is much better than 50/50. When push comes to shove, and you are 50/50, you are at a stalemate.
I agree and would add that even in a 20 person company it is better (much better) to get agreement rather than trying to make a decision stick because you have 51% ownership. I have done that in the past, and it is amazing how long people can hold onto their dislike of your decision and try to 'get back' at you later. Forcing your will because you have majority is not good for anything. Companies need to have a clear leader, and leadership does not come from a 2% difference. This is from my previous company of 20 people where I had majority interest.
Listening to Suster, I'd evaluate a bigger differential so that control can better survive dilution. For example, at 65/35 a single person could maintain control through 20% dilution. For YC a split of 57/43 would guarantee control through their investment.
