Ask them "What if in 2 yrs I become so vital that if I leave the company falls apart?" Let 'em know that early back-end engineers have an enormous impact, and y

Ask them "What if in 2 yrs I become so vital that if I leave the company falls apart?" Let 'em know that early back-end engineers have an enormous impact, and you walking could cost them the company, and why wouldn't you, you'd just be an employee with pennies in stake. Then suggest you're open to being a 30% equity stakeholder (co-founder). ;)