> You seem to be saying to contradictory things: No, they are not contradictory statements. Equity is one way to see upside in a startup, but that upside can b

> You seem to be saying to contradictory things: No, they are not contradictory statements. Equity is one way to see upside in a startup, but that upside can be completely destroyed for employees. For example, common stock or when founders don't negotiate with investors on your behalf. An employee's relationship with equity can be very different from a founder's relationship with equity (and not just quantity). Situations aren't always this bleak, but the OP was asking for a dose of cynicism.