I don't think it's possible, but why does it matter? You either join with lower salary + equity, or higher salary and no equity. (and equity is always a lotter

I don't think it's possible, but why does it matter? You either join with lower salary + equity, or higher salary and no equity. (and equity is always a lottery ticket) You shouldn't trust anyone saying "they would never", especially in business. Situations change, people change their mind, opportunities change, lives change, regulations change and so on.