Should I take lower salary for more startup equity?
Only if the equity's expected value (probability-weighted exit scenarios) exceeds the salary gap. Early-stage equity is high-risk — model conservative, base, and upside cases before deciding.
Startup Salary vs Equity
Startups often offer below-market salary with equity upside. The question is whether the equity compensates for the salary gap. Model both sides of the trade-off.
Your package
Compare against market benchmarks
Total package thinking
A £70k salary with 0.3% at £10m valuation = £30k equity paper + £70k cash = £100k total. Compare to £90k at a big tech company with no equity. Risk-adjust equity by probability of exit.
Frequently asked questions
Get weekly equity insights
Benchmark data, dilution guides, and negotiation tips — free.
Premium report
Full AI analysis with dilution forecast, negotiation script, and PDF export.
Get your report →