That's not correct. The founders already have stock before any round. They typically don't get any of the ESOP. In early rounds the ESOP is essentially carved o

That's not correct. The founders already have stock before any round. They typically don't get any of the ESOP. In early rounds the ESOP is essentially carved out of the founders stock, it doesn't make sense to give some of it to them (just negotiate a smaller ESOP). Also, founders are not considered investors in the sense you mention (different stock classes). Secondly "by the time you exit" isn't relevant. Your stock is setup by when you join. If you join a company with 100 people, sure you get less. But 0.01% for Seed/A isn't even close. If that's what you get offered, don't take it.