With all due respect to “start ups”, most don’t go anywhere and most employees don’t make it rich even if the company does have some moderate success. So treat

With all due respect to “start ups”, most don’t go anywhere and most employees don’t make it rich even if the company does have some moderate success. So treat it like any other job offer. Do you like the work, people, compensation, etc? Are you comfortable with the risk? When trying to evaluate the above items, make sure you understand how much your compensation actually is. Are you getting stock or options? How much is the strike price vs current shares selling price? How many outstanding share? How many outstanding options? Do they have any dilution protection? Are they the same series/rights as investors? Are additional options currently authorized but not issued? Is there ability to sell shares currently? If not then when? FYI working for an established company does not mean your job is any more secure. FWIW, I started a company that is 17 years old now so I think I have, at least, a little knowledge behind my opinion. Lastly, this is random internet advice so ymmv.