Not a lot. The founders get it all and later parcel out pieces to others, with investors taking the huge chunks. I'd say you're looking at some figure between

Not a lot. The founders get it all and later parcel out pieces to others, with investors taking the huge chunks. I'd say you're looking at some figure between 0.2% and 4.0% depending on when you sign. There's also a big difference in having shares or options. Then there's the dilution factor to take into account when new shares are issued (unless you have anti-dilution agreements in contract). If you have to ask this question at all, you're probably new to the game. It always boils down to 'it depends'. Every situation is different. Ask around and everybody will tell you something different. Most of them will give you very stupid and aggressive advice. If the startup was founded yesterday and has no tech but you already have it and are bringing it in to the company you're in a very different position than where you're being brought in as the person who might be able to develop it. Ask around (like you're doing here) and decide what you want out of the deal. Do you want a decent salary? A position where you can do some new work and vastly broaden your experience? Maybe you want to take a gamble on a web startup that maybe, just maybe will make you rich in a few years (or more likely - out of a job with no savings if things don't pan out)? Lots of factors to consider. Get some feedback and mull it all over is my advice.