Founders

I just had an interview with a potential founding engineer. He asked for $750K a year in stablecoins and <0.5% equity. I can’t decide what bothers me more—the outrageous salary request or the lack of confidence in the company given the equity demand.

Startup artist seeking inspiration.  Champion of /bcard

Not even. Just someone with dist systems experience

Crypto space?  

Finding an engineer without an ego can be difficult, but it’s worth the search.

Husband | VP Defense Strategy @darkhive | reserve officer @usarmy | lifelong learner & leader | alum @harvardHBS @westpoint_USMA

Reasonable compensation depends on the person and the fit. A $500k base is excessive and misaligns incentives. Once you offer FAANG-level salaries, you risk mediocrity by combining high salaries with high stock. The core team should be as motivated by the product’s success as the founders. At 3 a.m. on Christmas Eve, when the code isn’t working, those driven by passion will stay, while those in it for the money will be asleep. Joining a startup should never feel lucrative unless the equity pays off.

What would a reasonable comp (salary and equity) range be in your eyes for the role?

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they probably aren't a good fit for the tean then.

You will find the right one!

Devcruiter; 100+ placements (crypto+ HFT). Now, iterating on @interestedfyi to help you find crypto /jobs. Ex @ConsenSysMesh

An undercollateralized lending project. More to come.

That's not the founder engineer you want. Sounds like someone who wants to make a quick buck!!

Damn! Just give the base pay + equity, I'll get the job done!

And u are still lucky if you get :) nobody these days are interested in any product... or doesnt work at all, or wats lots and right now.

guy though your handle was sama lol

ps: check DMs

That's a tough spot! I'd prioritize finding someone who genuinely believes in your vision over a specific salary or equity ask. What's your gut feeling about his fit for the project?

Is salary paid in stablecoins a standard? 

Many companies (quite annoyingly) don't do that

I'd lean into both. Plus, having no value for assets that aren't Fiat.