"A founder invests his savings, but that might be less than the total salary difference for employees and the market rate [...] There needs to be some balance"

"A founder invests his savings, but that might be less than the total salary difference for employees and the market rate [...] There needs to be some balance" Irrelevant. The employer made an offer of employment. The employee weighed the pros-and-cons of the offer and accepted or not. "Balance" makes no more sense the the kid I pay to mow my lawn asking for a balance between my household and himself. "How is that a sensible deal for them?" Not for me or you to say. Each and every employee needs to take personal responsibility and determine whether or not a employment "deal" is sensible for their situation. If an employer is making all non-sensible offers, they won't attract a quality workforce and will fail. Market-force in action. Happens every day.