In summary, 1% equity can be a good offer if the startup has strong potential, your role is significant, and the overall compensation package is competitive. However, it could also be seen as low depending on the context. It's essential to assess all these factors before making a decision.
Startups typically allocate 10-20% of equity during the seed round in exchange for investments ranging from $250,000 to $1 million. The percentage and amount can be dependent on the company's stage, market potential, and the extent of capital needed to achieve initial milestones.
As a rule of thumb, a non-founder CEO joining an early-stage startup (that has been running less than a year) would receive 7-10% equity. Other C-level execs would receive 1-5% equity that vests over time (usually 4 years).
To calculate equity in a startup, your percentage of ownership is equal to the number of shares you own divided by the total number of shares available. This calculation helps founders and investors understand their stake in the company and the value of their investment as the company grows.
Angel and venture capital investors are great, but they must not take more shares than you're willing to give up. On average, founders offer 10-20% of their equity during a seed round. You should always avoid offering over 25% during this stage. As you progress beyond this stage, you will have less equity to offer.
In summary, while there's no one-size-fits-all answer, early employees should aim for equity that reflects their contribution and the stage of the company, typically ranging from 0.1% to 5% depending on various factors.
Calculating Startup Equity Compensation C-suite executives: 0.8% to 5% Vice president: 0.3% to 2% Director: 0.4% to 1% Independent board members: 1% Managers: 0.2% to 0.33% Junior-level employees and other hires: 0% to 0.2%
Different ways to split equity among cofounders Equal splits. Weighted contributions. Dynamic or adjustable equity. Performance-based vesting. Role-based splits. Hybrid models. Points-based system. Prenegotiated buy/sell agreements.
A typical range might be anywhere from 1% to 5% or more, but it's essential to consider your contributions, industry standards, and the startup's valuation when determining a fair equity package.
As a general rule, if there are two people in the partnership, it's 50/50, and if there are three people, it's a â…“ split. The biggest thing to remember is that no matter how you split your profits, the percentage must equal 100.