Way too naive. It's your fear that blocks you. The fear of loosing something. Nowadays the skill-set of good software engineers are so wanted and rare that wo

Way too naive. It's your fear that blocks you. The fear of loosing something. Nowadays the skill-set of good software engineers are so wanted and rare that working for equity (at least mixed w/salary) should be the general case. Just think: they wouldn't survive a single day w/o you, to get and train a replacement would take months and lead to rev drops. If I were you I would ask ASAP and not just ask, you have to face them w/the decision, equity or you will leave. If you just ask they will put you off and delay until 2015. I reckon that you are not ready to leave the company, yet. But you have to be ready to leave -- just in your mind -- to withstand the negotiations. Look out for other options, that makes it easier to get the leaving attitude. Get somebody who is experienced with deal making and supports you through the negotiations in the background (you do not have the same experiences as your company's management).