I assume your funding has already set the params of what you can offer, so what is the value of hiding any of it? Standard attitude toward stock options is tha

I assume your funding has already set the params of what you can offer, so what is the value of hiding any of it? Standard attitude toward stock options is that you'll get screwed. So why even bother to provide them if employees don't value them? The only way to get beyond this attitude, IMO, is to show employees yours is not a standard option deal, i.e. be transparent. Additionally, your need to use option contracts that are not so confusing and restrictive the employee feels screwed even with full disclosure. If you get these two parts right (or better than most), then you may get the motivated employee you are trying for. I'm guessing this won't work for you at this point, but in a past company, I was able to offer key employees (not founders, but key folks) reverse vesting. I sold them stock up front (we even paid their cost of the transaction) and it vested over 4 years. They had to sell back whatever did not vest. I had uber-motivated employees. They were real owners! Its a shame traditional VC deals don't/can't allow for this.