Is there any real benefit to taking ~$160k and 1% as a “founding” engineer? We’re not even close to series C yet but it’s starting to feel like I need to be more aggressive about compensation or a role change.
If you don’t become a +$100mm company (and have the ability to cash out at that position) it seems to be a pretty rough deal honestly.
No. As someone said earlier, “Founding” is a scam title. It’s just sparkle. If they’re passing that out post-A, they must really think you’re a sucker, because that’s nowhere near founding.
If you stick around, you should regularly get topped up so that dilution doesn't completely destroy your stake.
Your salary should also increase to become competitive with the market as your company continues to raise.
If the founders know what they're doing and you are bringing outsize value to the company, your salary should far exceed the market salary as your company gains success.
If you don’t become a +$100mm company (and have the ability to cash out at that position) it seems to be a pretty rough deal honestly.