1/(number of founders) is approximately what you should get. Any lower, leave. If you can get more, do. Don't go without equity, and make sure you have an air-

1/(number of founders) is approximately what you should get. Any lower, leave. If you can get more, do. Don't go without equity, and make sure you have an air-tight contract that strictly defines how you get your salary, even if (whatever BS reason). A startup is still a company, and if they're trying to waste your time I suggest you leave. Give them a short timeframe to decide. Don't negotiate on it (within reason). Let them know you're not messing around. If they're just "idea people" who are "just looking for someone to implement the idea", you hold all the cards.