I mean that any firm worried about you competing like that should aim to retain you as best as they can, and providing stock options is a conventional route in

I mean that any firm worried about you competing like that should aim to retain you as best as they can, and providing stock options is a conventional route in doing so. It also dissuades you from competing during and after employment, and to stay 'on-side.' I was in a similar position to you but did not ultimately take the job. In my case, I already had a similar site going to the potential employer so could actually compete without too much effort. The employer was prepared to give equity only after 6 months work.