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.

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

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

Well said and glad to hear of the clarity you have in the team you're looking to build.

Agree folks looking for FAANG-type (base) salaries may not be a great fit.

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.