Learn how to evaluate startup job offers by balancing salary and equity. Get practical advice for both founders and candidates to make smart, aligned hiring decisions on FoundersAreHiring.
Choosing between salary and equity can feel like gambling with your career. But it doesn’t have to. At FoundersAreHiring (fah.), we believe the smartest hires are the ones who know how to negotiate not just on compensation, but on vision, risk, and alignment.
This guide breaks down how to think about salary vs. equity, so you’re not flying blind when evaluating startup roles. Whether you're a founder making an offer or a candidate weighing one, here’s how to get it right.
If you're joining a startup, don’t just chase stock options or salary. Chase clarity, context, and control.
If you're hiring, don't dangle "dream equity" like bait. Lead with trust, structure, and a growth-aligned offer.
Cut through the noise. Join or hire smarter on FoundersAreHiring.
Startups pay you in two currencies: salary for today, equity for tomorrow. The art is knowing when to favor which.
| Preference | Prioritize | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Financial stability | Higher salary | Covers your living expenses and reduces stress |
| Long-term upside | More equity | Bigger potential reward if the company succeeds |
💡 Reality Check: If the startup fails, your equity is worth $0. Always ensure your base salary is livable before optimizing for upside.
Your total offer includes:
Use calculators like Carta or Secfi to model real outcomes.
If they can’t answer clearly, that’s a red flag. Transparency is a must.
Equity is only as valuable as the business behind it. Don’t trade your present for someone else’s hope.
At FAH, we’ve integrated tools directly into job listings to help you navigate these tradeoffs:
We don’t just connect founders and candidates we align incentives for the long term.
You want to attract top-tier candidates without blowing your budget. Here’s how:
Use our built-in equity calculator and candidate filters to make your offer competitive and clear. Post your job here.
Your decision shouldn’t just be about numbers it should be about alignment.
Remember: Ownership without clarity is just a fantasy. Demand precision.
FAH helps close that gap by focusing on high-intent candidates, equity-aware filters, and founder-led matches that actually convert.
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