Sure I got screwed and the investors got a way better deal.
But then again, every other startup would have given me the same deal or worse, and the alternative would have involved me still being in college taking out student loans. I think I'll stick to my mediocre salary and nonfounder equity[1].
[1]: Since day one, the company has done quite well and my pay is no longer mediocre, and my equity would be a nice 6-7 figures bonus if the company sold today.
Quit focusing on the injustice of an employee share versus a founder or investor share. Quit comparing yourself to others, and instead focus on whether the numbers offered to you make sense for you, personally.
"every other startup would have given me the same deal or worse"
Not true. I talked to a bunch of my entrepreneurial friends about this when I encountered this situation again and again. Their own hirees were treated more like I'd expect - a clear advantage to taking the offer - lower pay meant higher equity although it was never as bad as this case.
Glad things worked out for you though. There are winners in the industry and it's nice to see it when it happens!
But then again, every other startup would have given me the same deal or worse, and the alternative would have involved me still being in college taking out student loans. I think I'll stick to my mediocre salary and nonfounder equity[1].
[1]: Since day one, the company has done quite well and my pay is no longer mediocre, and my equity would be a nice 6-7 figures bonus if the company sold today.
Quit focusing on the injustice of an employee share versus a founder or investor share. Quit comparing yourself to others, and instead focus on whether the numbers offered to you make sense for you, personally.