Ask HN: Comparing a C-level equity-based offer to my salary-focused current comp

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Ask HN: Comparing a C-level equity-based offer to my salary-focused current comp

I didn't grow up in the US so throughout my career I continued to had to learn about the intricacies of the American employment system including compensation packages.

I feel I am at a new learning point right now as I am considering a C-level role for a series G startup I really admire.

Below is what my current package looks like today as well as what the initial offer of the startup company stands at.

Through my naive eyes it feels I would be falling short quite a bit in the new environment wrt compensation and taking on a lot of the risk (with an IPO/sale uncertain for decades)

My mindset is I would need to negotiate the offer quite a bit up with respect to base to make it feasible and more comparable. However, ppl more familiar in the startup industry consider it a moderate offer even against what my current package looks like right now.

Knowing a lot of it comes down to personal preferences, are there any individuals here that can give a rough qualitative assessment how they'd compare the two aspects and what negotiation items to potentially prioritize - happy to provide any clarification as far as anonymity is retained. Also, if there is anything missing I should make sure is clearly defined I welcome any input.

State: California

Current:

  * President title
  * 415k Base
  * 10% average yearly bonus
  * 10k yearly training stipend
  * 10% discount on stock options
  * 401k matching  
  * 80% travel
  * 9mos severance
  * Standard healthcare insurance
  * 24 days of PTO + close between Christmas and New Year
New:

  * C-level title
  * 300k base
  * 50% target bonus
  * Equity 0.0033 (200k ISO shares out of 60M)
  * Traditional vested over 4 years
  * Strike price 3.40$
  * Current evaluation price $9 (550M)
  * Limited travel
  * 6mos severance after 12 months
  * No 401k
  * Standard healthcare insurance
  * Unlimited PTO
Discussion 4 comments · 3 points · norejisace · 2018-04-29
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