Offer evaluation at LA unicorn

Apr 24, 2019 27 Comments

Got initial offer from unicorn in Santa-Monica

Benefits are very nice, but financial side of offer is:

Base - 175k
Bonus 10%
Stock options - worth $25k (told verbally) UPDATE below
Position Principal Data Engineer (AWS).
Total TC = 192K

Currently:
YOE: 15+.
TC: 150k+20% = 180k

Have a few day for accept it.
I like what company is doing, but concerned about financial side of this deal.
1. How does community think, should I accept it negotiate for higher (how much %) ?
2. Stock options - should I much put attention on it ?

Please share your experience!'

UPDATE
180k + 10%
350k stock options in 4 years.

TC around 270k
Willing to accept.

Thanks blinders!

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TOP 27 Comments
  • Affirm
    AffirmX

    Go to company page Affirm

    AffirmX
    I don't know about the LA market, but it seems super low for 15 YOE.

    For reference, I have 1 YOE after grad school with TC 195K (though in SF).
    Apr 24, 2019 6
    • Affirm
      AffirmX

      Go to company page Affirm

      AffirmX
      @Microsoft I've just been here for a while, but I love it.

      Disclaimer: I negotiated just a little bit. Looking back I could have done more.

      Base - $140K
      Stock options - 40K ($175-$185K)
      Sign-on - $5K
      Apr 24, 2019
    • Pretty good for you!
      In LA area it's not common to see so high numbers even for seniors. But for my family it's better to stay where we are.
      Apr 24, 2019
  • Uber
    2muchblind

    Go to company page Uber

    2muchblind
    You need to have waaaaay more stock options. That’s the whole point of joining a unicorn. The cash comp ain’t nothing to write home about, and right now even the stock options pale compared to FAANG.

    There should be some upside to taking a risk.
    Apr 24, 2019 2
    • I appreciate your response. Never worker in companies which offers equity.
      Agree, 25k - is nothing, I can say it right away. What do you think reasonable amount of stocks to ask ?
      PS. I'm not willing to overwhelm them as well ;)

      Thanks.
      Apr 24, 2019
    • Uber
      2muchblind

      Go to company page Uber

      2muchblind
      Well, think about if you worked for a FAANG or any other unicorn — they would give you an initial grant of at least $700k worth of RSUs, vesting over 4 years. With your experience, your TC would be at least $400k per year.

      Now, also consider the risk factor of joining the unicorn — it may be unlikely, but there may be an economic downturn before IPO that affects its valuation for example. (If it’s Fair or Bird, that’s a possibility.)

      So, yeah...you should have some upside to joining a startup, considering that you can’t go liquid immediately (and time is money) and the risk involved. I’d ask for at least $1M from this unicorn (vesting over 4 years).
      Apr 24, 2019
  • Tesla
    uhhyhhgh

    Go to company page Tesla

    uhhyhhgh
    Try to push them to 210k, you will have to pay taxes on your options. Regarding options. That’s bullshit. They will be diluted by 1/4 in the end. Considering your strike price is $1 and this startup will start their ipo in $20-30 you need to ask for at least 100k. Good luck!
    Apr 24, 2019 3
  • Microsoft / Eng
    glub

    Go to company page Microsoft Eng

    PRE
    Cubic
    glub
    Ask for more base and maybe sign-on, but treat stock as worthless paper unless you think IPO or buyout is a sure thing.
    Apr 24, 2019 0
  • This seems way too low for that much YOE even in LA. I know people in LA with about 2 YOE making $200k+
    Apr 25, 2019 7