Has any startup let employees purchase stocks (in small quantity) during funding rounds?
That's a bad idea. Investors make returns despite 90%+ failure rate by investing in many companies.
Do they allow is the question.
I doubt it, imagine if employees start going crazy because they invested their life savings into the company and the company was starting to have problems. If you want more equity instead of pay most start ups are more than happy to abliege.
Just ask for a refresher
Ask if you can take lower base for more options. Late stage companies will probably say no way but early stage might do it as they need the cash more.
You can try this service equityzen to invest in a limited number of startups.
They all require a minimum investment of 100k. Some startups more than that
No. It depends. Anywhere from $20k and above depending on the deal. There are many within $20k to $50k min. And the first deal they give you a $10k min. You have to be an accredited investor as defined by SEC. It is of course much more risky than investing in most public stocks. And illiquid.
Just ask.
I use microventures.com and seed invest
Invest in anything good? Any exits?
Yup, limit by the amount of... Options you have
Apart from the options they give you?. My options are vested over a time.