I am at Microsoft in Bay area, doing ML work. I am contacted by multiple startups recently. Should I switch to a startup to make more money? Or do I have to really hit the bulls eye with a startup to make more money than what corporate world offers over the 5 yrs, and otherwise it is rougly the same? I had my own small startup intiatives but I have no idea whether it is financially a good idea to join a startup if you are employee #>50. TC: 340 (with today’s stock price) Level 64 Yoe phd + 6.
There is a huge difference between a pre seed/seed round startup and a Series C or D startup. Or are you looking to be a cofounder? Are you looking to join a mid/late stage startup as a manager/director? Cofounder or early stage with preferred stock which will still be risky is the only way I see you make more than staying at microsoft.
How exactly would you make more money in startup?
If it turns out to be the next Uber, lyft etc I guess (counting facebook as an unlikely example, and assuming people at uber etc. made good money?)
It's a really tough call and the odds are very low if they can be the next uber
Depends on the offer. If you’re curious do a few interviews. No harm in that. Takes a lot of luck and timing though to make more from a startup. And if we’re heading into even a small recession, exit ops 2-3 years out are going to be negatively impacted. We have already seen about 12 months of deceleration in private equity markets. Conversely, you risk layoffs in a big company in a down quarter. But with only 6yoe and 1 year at Microsoft your chances are above average (layoffs tend to affect relatively high earners in an org at a higher rate).
Good insight, thank you.
Coming from a startup that got acquired, I can tell you there's no money. The 0.15% equities you get will only be at most on the magnitude of tens of thousands of dollars. Stay at msft will yield you more money in the long run
That’s what I wanted to learn. Thank you
Do not move to startup unless you have a good financial back to fall. Startups mostly fail, so dont gamble given you already spent 5 years post grad. Mint money from FAANG and in late 40's maybe join as Executive