I've worked for or in some contracting capacity for 3. My thoughts: 1. If you're joining in the very early stages (like YC batch time), make a plan in writing

I've worked for or in some contracting capacity for 3. My thoughts: 1. If you're joining in the very early stages (like YC batch time), make a plan in writing with the founders for how your compensation will change once the company raises/grows. Those early days will be hectic and it's easy to let those changes get delayed, and something unexpected (good or bad) always comes up since they're startups. You are going to be sweating a lot to get things done by Demo Day or whatever the milestone is, so make sure the comp situation is clear. 2. Do your own analysis on the unit economics of the business to evaluate your potential payout. There will be lots of projections thrown around to attract investors -- as an engineer, you will be able to see all the data and make your own projections. 3. The more industry experience the founders have, the better. Worked for a top 100-500 company? Managed? You're de-risking the job culturally. 4. As far as evaluating character/people you want to work with, pay close attention to how people you are considering working with treat people significantly below them in pay grade. Go out for a coffee and see how the founder treats the waiter -- it sounds silly or obvious but I find it's a good judge of character. Teams I've worked with: 2-6 people, very early stages.