I worked mostly with startups on the east coast if that helps (Philly market, some NYC). 1 - Maybe 20% gave an actual range. 2 - A mix. Most that did give numb

I worked mostly with startups on the east coast if that helps (Philly market, some NYC). 1 - Maybe 20% gave an actual range. 2 - A mix. Most that did give numbers gave a ceiling. If I was dealing with a CTO, it might have been in the context of 'we're not going to pay more than n, because that's about what I make'. Part of the reason I didn't get ranges was probably because my clients trusted that I knew the market, so if candidates were priced appropriately they were typically open to seeing them. I imagine junior recruiters probably got ranges from companies (and perhaps even the same companies I worked with) more than I did. I could be wrong. Good luck with your venture, feel free to reach out directly.