The investors usually have liquidation preferences and/or participating preferred stock, or similar. Common stockholders (including founders) are only entitled

The investors usually have liquidation preferences and/or participating preferred stock, or similar. Common stockholders (including founders) are only entitled to a share of what's left over after investors are paid, as their equity rights are more junior -though often founders/execs will get large bonuses to make the deal happen even if their stock is worthless.