Ask if they’re willing. If it’s truly fair market salary ask to see if they’re willing to offer options. Typically an early stage startup will offer different salary packages if they’re willing. Most founders are generally NOT put off that someone wants be compensated by equity and take it as a sign of buy-in to the company and product - especially if you position it that way.
Make sure you know how many shares there are in total and the vesting period (typically four years).
If you’re young and have the capacity it’s worth the adventure and pipe dreams imo. The beginning of your contract is a pretty good time to get some equity, but it won’t be your last. If you go above and beyond in a year it’s not hard to ask for more equity.
But it also depends on the types of founders you have, your role in the team, and what “early stage” means and how backed they are.
I wouldn’t want to work for anyone who isn’t open to have conversations like this though personally.
Ask if they’re willing. If it’s truly fair market salary ask to see if they’re willing to offer options. Typically an early stage startup will offer different salary packages if they’re willing. Most founders are generally NOT put off that someone wants be compensated by equity and take it as a sign of buy-in to the company and product - especially if you position it that way.
E.g.
100% market salary + 0 shares 90% market salary + 5000 shares 80% market salary + 10000 shares
—-
Make sure you know how many shares there are in total and the vesting period (typically four years).
If you’re young and have the capacity it’s worth the adventure and pipe dreams imo. The beginning of your contract is a pretty good time to get some equity, but it won’t be your last. If you go above and beyond in a year it’s not hard to ask for more equity.
But it also depends on the types of founders you have, your role in the team, and what “early stage” means and how backed they are.
I wouldn’t want to work for anyone who isn’t open to have conversations like this though personally.