24 ms·
> No firm will realistically show you their cap table, or tell you the number of outstanding shares I don't think this is very true. I can't imagine getting an
by solidasparagus 6y ago
> No firm will realistically show you their cap table, or tell you the number of outstanding shares
I don't think this is very true. I can't imagine getting an offer without knowing the total number of shares.
- redis_mlc 6y agoIt's usually true, companies won't make it easy. Part of the reason is that the "cap table" is usually a mish-mash of disorganized Excel spreadsheets after several rounds. jwz had to battle Netscape HR to see those numbers. But Delaware-registered companies must on request.
- solidasparagus 6y agoMy comment wasn't quite clear enough I think. I don't think you will see a cap table, but you should see total outstanding shares. And my comment was probably more true for startups in the traditional sense and not the 10-year-old, $10B 'startups' like Airbnb.
- dmitrygr 6y agoAnd yet it is true.
- solidasparagus 6y agoNot based on offers I or anyone I know has gotten. Who would blindly take options without knowing what percentage they make up?
- redis_mlc 6y agoVirtually everybody who isn't in a strong negotiating position (so almost all employees.) Knowing the percentage isn't all the meaningful since there will be dilution later, or more classes, liquidation preferences, etc.
- solidasparagus 6y agoYour second sentence is very true, but not part of the quote I am disputing ("[companies don't] tell you the number of outstanding shares").