I have heard anecdotally that the situation was quite different in the past. For example, Google became what it is today in part because their early offers were

I have heard anecdotally that the situation was quite different in the past. For example, Google became what it is today in part because their early offers were outstanding for the time, compared to what the typical VC/IPO gives today. I would love to know if there is concrete data supporting this. I can't easily find it myself on the net.