I've been part of two startups that were acquired, even with options for about 3% of non-Founder shares for one of them. Total value of all of those was $0. W

I've been part of two startups that were acquired, even with options for about 3% of non-Founder shares for one of them. Total value of all of those was $0. What was valuable was the experience I gained, and rising to VP in one of them. I got a nice package from the (>$100B, SF-based, public) acquiring company. That was an instant 200% raise, and the experience I got has really helped find future higher paying jobs.