[paulcole]

Your only leverage is getting a new job and/or straight up quitting. Unless you're willing to do either of those, they're going to keep dangling that carrot.

Force their hand and say you'll have to seriously consider other offers unless there's an equity package coming from them within a week.

Only do this, however, if you're willing to have your bluff called. If you're not, you have no negotiating power and will be relying on their kindness.

[NhanH]

This is good advice. However, realistically you will have to rely on their kindness in the end.

No matter how much equity you will negotiate right now, in the next 5-6 years there are ten of thousands things that will dilute/ make it obsolete. You should ask for your equity right now. But take note that if the negotiation doesn't go well, whatever you got might not be of any value, act accordingly.

[meric]

>> This is good advice. However, realistically you will have to rely on their kindness in the end.

I agree. Maybe one way to go about it, organise a one-to-one coffee, talk about what you've been through, basically what you've told us, and tell them how you feel about equity, and what you're worried about. This will build the rapport that will make it easier for them to be kind.

[fokker]

Absolutely aware of dilution and all - it's more a matter of principle. I've worked my ass off and surely should have some entitlement to the company of helped build.

I was originally offered stock options in a staff pool - but I'm not happy with that. That will dilute so much and be worth nothing eventually. They're aware of this which is why we're discussing equity.

So hard..

[meric]

Yes, you have more leverage before you sign the contract to join the company than after...Use it or lose it...Your contract is your entitlement.

[fokker]

I do have some upper-hand in that they simply cannot afford to replace me - they'd need to employ 2-3 new people plus all overheads of getting them up-to-speed with our process, adjusting to team dynamics etc..

Thanks for the advice.

[paulcole]

How many people have you worked with who have required 2+ people to replace them when they left? Personally, in about 10 years "professional" experience, I've worked with 0.

I'm willing to accept that perhaps I've worked with non-exceptional people (I am one myself). But really consider whether your employer would actually hire 2+ people to replace you. Your domain knowledge is worth something and the cost of switching is high, but if your employer is paying below market, would they really pay below market for 2+ new people?

What I'm trying to get at is the fact that your perception of your value might be significantly different from your employer's perception. And if that's the case, you really don't have much leverage.

[AznHisoka]

You only have the upper hand if they can't replace you. If push comes to shove, and they can 3 people to replace you, that's not as strong a hand.