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Since L_Rahman didn't mention "startup" per se....

The Equity / RSU package from many big (publicly-traded) tech firms can be as much as 30% of total compensation. I generally account for this portion the same as "cash with a discount" -- when negotiating for my current role, I used a 30% discount on the present share price.

For startups... it's a mixed bag (as saryant mentions).



L_Rahman may not have used the word "startup,", but he did say "first hire" so it's reasonable to assume we're discussing a startup.

Obviously the negotiation will go differently if we're talking about, say, RSUs at ExxonMobil which are as good as cash once they vest.


Most comments have responded assuming that it is a startup, and it was a correct assumption.

But it's helpful to know that large publicly traded tech companies can offer as much as 30%. If or when I do choose to work for one, I'll keep that in mind.




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