The real question is how far above market do you want to go and what should the equity/cash split be. If you pay 20% cash + 80% equity to employee, the wage has

The real question is how far above market do you want to go and what should the equity/cash split be. If you pay 20% cash + 80% equity to employee, the wage has to overcome stock liquidity issues, and control issues. 5% after 18 months may not be motivating to someone early on who's taking you at your word your map is correct while they do all the driving.