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As an "old guy" founder with multiple exits, may I suggest you consider reframing the question in your own mind, perhaps to something like "If I join an 8-perso

by pardner 15y ago

As an "old guy" founder with multiple exits, may I suggest you consider reframing the question in your own mind, perhaps to something like "If I join an 8-person startup, what are the daily qualities I need to exhibit to become indispensible to the team, and maximize the chances of not only riding this pony across the finish line but becoming well-positioned to leverage that success into even bigger and better things going forward?" A couple of quick observations: 1) It seems unlikely that the CEO you decribe (5 decent exits, and another $2M series A) got that far by screwing people by any objective measure. 2) I've never met a rockstar who (as far as I know) worried a lot about getting screwed... they knew they could walk into a better gig any day if they weren't getting a fair shake. 3) They probably won't have too much wiggle room on their first offer, anyway. Sounds like they have enough experience to know what it takes to attract and retain a good team. So if you feel you can do "a lot" better elsewhere (or where you are) then that would be the right choice for you. 4) It's worth considering that it's one possible stepping stone on your path. When I joined Xilinx very early, I was pretty darned sure I was worth a lot more than the stock I got. That said, it was an awesome education on thriving in a frenetic startup environment with exquisitely talented peers, and fwiw that seemingly-meager stock offering bankrolled my next deal, which bankrolled the next one, etc.

notbitter 15y ago
Totally disagree on #2. Walking into a better gig is easy, but it means you lose years of investment in the previous company (due to dilution, preferences, loss of retention bonus on acquisition, etc). Many of us on the engineering side consider that "getting screwed" even if folks on the executive side think of it as business as usual. To the OP, I would suggest that the only sure-fire way to avoid getting screwed is to remain indispensable all the way through to a liquidity event. Even then, employee #9 may not see much from their equity.
- devs1010 15y ago
  I agree, if you're not standing to get a good share of equity then just look at it as another job. Of course, every CEO-type, like the guy above wants you to do what he's suggesting and slave away but you should evaluate your options and maybe a 9 person startup is too small to not have to work hellish hours, etc but also too big to where you're not getting enough from out of it since you're not a founder. All I can say is be careful of what you're getting into and if you don't stand to gain much from equity or are not sure how long you would stay with them consider working as a contractor then you get paid for all the time you work, etc

by pardner 15y ago

notbitter 15y ago

Totally disagree on #2. Walking into a better gig is easy, but it means you lose years of investment in the previous company (due to dilution, preferences, loss of retention bonus on acquisition, etc). Many of us on the engineering side consider that "getting screwed" even if folks on the executive side think of it as business as usual. To the OP, I would suggest that the only sure-fire way to avoid getting screwed is to remain indispensable all the way through to a liquidity event. Even then, employee #9 may not see much from their equity.

devs1010 15y ago
I agree, if you're not standing to get a good share of equity then just look at it as another job. Of course, every CEO-type, like the guy above wants you to do what he's suggesting and slave away but you should evaluate your options and maybe a 9 person startup is too small to not have to work hellish hours, etc but also too big to where you're not getting enough from out of it since you're not a founder. All I can say is be careful of what you're getting into and if you don't stand to gain much from equity or are not sure how long you would stay with them consider working as a contractor then you get paid for all the time you work, etc