Advice on negotiating my contract

Question

Hello Levels.fyi Community,I'm here seeking advice for negotiating my contract. I'm currently working as a software engineer for a startup. As of now we have not raised or earned any funds.We are a couple weeks away from launching our MVP. I was offered 80k to take a salary as oppose to equity in the company at this stage. The company is currently in debt but I am this first software engineer that was hired and got the MVP rolling. The CEO has offered me 80k salary upon our first investment. Not sure if it's worth it to go for equity right away or just take the money. What are your thoughts?

Furan · Accepted Answer

So you are the sole engineer, and they havent offered you equity, and you -currently- have no salary but they've offered you 80k eventually?

I'd 100% hardball them. You're a large part of it getting off the ground, and they could remove you in a heartbeat once the MVP gets its first buy in

madscience · Answer

I would definitely see if they're open to adding an equity component to that. Might not have to be a large percentage, but it's worth trying. I just wouldn't sacrifice any of the $80k salary for the equity.

codefunk · Answer

You should ask for both. If they delay salary (and you’re okay with this!) you *have to* get a substantial amount of equity. There is no chance doing work with promise of future reward is worth it in this case and if they’re not willing to give equity they’re scamming you.

JKLMPSVZ · Answer

I’d go for at least 3x

3696 · Answer

If you are in a position to forego the salary, negotiate the equity. This could be the next Google or Apple. Good luck

Advice on negotiating my contract

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