What I find the easiest is if you are not dealing directly with the CEO or person approving the raise. In that case you can just let your supervisor know you ne

What I find the easiest is if you are not dealing directly with the CEO or person approving the raise. In that case you can just let your supervisor know you need that rate to stay on board. If you are dealing with the CEO or person approving the raise and you feel the need to justify yourself I would keep it short and simple like "In order for me to move forward in this position my salary has to be at $175K". There really isn't much else to say. Just like 50 Cent - you must to be able to walk away - and that is your power. You 100% should ask for the raise or leave. Don't get caught up with letting OPP affect you. OPP = Other peoples problems. For example the CEO is a f#ck up for a large variety of reasons so he gets you believing they are in the middle of "raising series A" or whatever else bullshit that you have no control over therefore has nothing to do with you. It's all about you mo fo. His problem is actually more like he is "in the middle of raising series A and is about to lose a top developer who knows the code base". Don't worry if the CEO is worth his weight he will solve that problem. Catch my drift? You only live once my friend - DO NOT LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE.