About now you are probably saying, “Okay, you’ve written some helpful posts (at least we hope you think they have been helpful) on compensation, but show me the money!  What are some real life compensation numbers?”  We hate compensation surveys. We hate average compensations ranges.  We hate industry data.  Butwe know you want it (since […]

As we continue our series on Compensation, let’s look at some recent compensation trends. In general, while compensation is on the rise, the rate of increase slowed between 2005 and 2006. Founder compensation (in whatever role they play) is rising faster than non-founder compensation. There are some theories on this including (a) founders are becoming […]

As part of your offer, there will likely be an equity component (if there isn’t, your first question after receiving the offer should be “so – what equity are you offering me as part of this package?”) The equity component will either be a grant of stock options or restricted stock – both with some […]

Along the lines of our last compensation post, cash is at an extreme premium in pre-VC funded companies. In that vein, you might be presented with a situation where you “defer some of your salary” until after the first institutional financing. This means that you are theoretically earning this portion of your salary and once […]

You’ve started your own business and you hope to one day get funded by a reputable VC (yes – there are a few of them.) You’ve got a great idea, your business plan is almost drafted, and you’ve self funded the company along with another co-founder out of savings and credit cards. You think you’ll […]

You’ve been offered a job at a startup. The folding tables look romantic, the smell from the Chinese restaurant next door isn’t too annoying (yet), and there is a plunger in the one bathroom. The founders tell you that cash is tight but they are having lots of meetings with VCs and a financing is […]