Risk of the person leaving is probably highest on the list. Assuming that leaving could be solved for in some form of contract or golden handcuffs, I would con

Risk of the person leaving is probably highest on the list. Assuming that leaving could be solved for in some form of contract or golden handcuffs, I would consider it. As much as there are drawbacks there are also benefits. Such as a person with 3X the companies overall technology picture in their head. A flatter knowledge structure. More accountability, so it does cut both ways, I would have no issue paying 3X for the tradeoff, so long as they where not my sole employee. In a sole employee situation I would prefer hiring a 2X and a 1X over a single 3X unless it was a temporary project based effort. The harder issue up front would be how to identify the 3X developer. I have a good process for spotting talent, but there is a gradient within that talent. Some are a good deal for market rate, other are what are refer to as the 10Xers and worth far more than they can command. Both are worth hiring and are above the industry but spotting the 10xer up front proves to be a daunting task.