Startup equity is distributed among employees as a form of compensation to attract and retain talent, and the amount allocated often varies based on the company's stage, the employee's role and the potential growth of the startup.
Timing is important. Wait until the company has achieved some key milestones or metrics that demonstrate its potential. Quantify your value. Propose an equity split that aligns with industry norms. Frame it as an investment in the company's future. Be willing to negotiate. Time it appropriately.
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).
The short answer to "how much equity should a founder keep" is founders should keep at least 50% equity in a startup for as long as possible, while investors get between 20 and 30%. There should also be a 10 to 20% portion set aside for employee stock options and, in some cases, about 5% left in a reserve pool.
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.
When your company is accepted to our Flagship Accelerator, we offer a seed investment of $150,000 for a 6% stake.
Many startups set aside between 10-20% of their shares in order to have the means to incentivize employees. This amount is on top of the shares they are already awarding to co-founders, investors, and advisors.
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.
Employee stock ownership, or employee share ownership, is where a company's employees own shares in that company (or in the parent company of a group of companies).