Let's say things go well, you stay for 4 years, loosing about 20*4=80K in salary. The company is then sold for $30m, of which you get 75K-ish (check my math tho

Let's say things go well, you stay for 4 years, loosing about 20*4=80K in salary. The company is then sold for $30m, of which you get 75K-ish (check my math though). Your risk-taking, lock-in and not taking other opportunities has not won you anything. If you want the job, counter with $80K salary and 5% of the company (not of the options pool, of the company). INSIST to talk about your percentage in terms of percentage of the company. Let them make really offended faces, and let them get back to you.