Currently talking with a medium sized startup (~100 people, ~200M$ funding) for a management position. “Problem” is that I make about 370k$ now (base ~185, bonus ~25, RSU ~160 per year). 15+ YOE. As my RSUs stack is full and stock went generally upward my last W2 was close to 400k actually. But there is no growth opportunity now internally and would love a new challenge in a more aggressive company. Startup can match current base, but how much equity is it realistic to ask for ? (In understand it is paper money for now, but I am willing to take a risk). If I stay at Apple, I have a good confidence to get 4*150k at least in the next 4 years. More if promotion. So as paper money is so risky, I am not quite sure where is my threshold to make the risk easier to take. Is shooting for 2M$ equity at current estimated valuation crazy for a management position ? Would be happy to hear your stories ...
May I know your current position at Apple? Also is it SW ??
I am in SW, currently not a manager.
Ok I’m in Apple too HW. You in IST?
It totally depend on the start up, you are basically investing 150k/yr in it. Based on the risk and growth potential, how much equity would make the investment worthwhile ? Maybe add discount on how much you value the management experience. Also keep in mind that if it's stick options, how much it will be worth totally depends on future growth.
Depends on if it's pre series A/B or not. The risk(so does equity) does decrease (still there) significantly post series B. My rule of thumb when evaluating paper money post series B is at 70-80% depending on how niche is the target market. Others could value more conservatively. YMMV
Crunch base says series D