Got a offer at confluent as a solution architect . Total contract is 150 usd with 11 k options. My current ote is about 190 usd. YOE is 5 years This is about 25% less in terms of base salary from where I am now. Any thoughts? Is confluent really the next big thing? I also tried to ask for more equity but they said it's not possible. I also asked if I could match my salary but they can't. #equity #offer #startup
I know there are some ex-VMware folks at Confluent. Maybe you could reach out to them to get an opinion.
We are kicking ass and way ahead of other companies at this stage that have done well. Still, ask for salary parity!
Yeah they can't offer equal salary. 😅
What’s SA?
YOE and level?
SA = Services
It's tough to comment on non SWE role. What's your current TC and what's the TC you would expect in any other company. Based on that I can provide an estimate on your offer. Confluent continues to grow and is currently one of the top pre IPO Saas company to be in
I replied
Your new TC is same as current TC. It's better than your current job since there is an upside in option value post IPO, but you should ask for more base salary or if you want more risk and potential reward, ask for more options. I would go for more options but that's your decision to take
I also had to take a cut in base salary when joining Confluent or any other time in my life I’ve joined a startup. It’s normal. I assume 190k is your TC? Your recruiter may have shown you a spreadsheet mapping exit valuations to TC. At current valuation the TC is roughly equal. At a twice the current valuation you get a big bump from current TC. Anything higher you get a huge bump. And with any exit you get a success story. And if you are inspired by the product or mission then you get to work on something inspiring every day. Good luck with the decision and I hope to get to work with you!
What's the current internal option price for Confluent?
Ditto on taking a cut when I joined. It is now looking like a very good decision. Confluent does not try to match public company base salary. It's pretty basic risk vs. reward math. Your call.
SA are drastically underpaid even compared to other startups but thats just how it is at Confluent. The lack of variable is shameful for the SA org.
How did this come about?
Nope
Any reason why?
Don't accept a cut in pay.