[mgkimsal]

I think that's a bit high - possibly a lot high. You can likely find quite good qualified people at $70-$80k - base of $50k plus benefits and overhead. Be prepared to offer some equity stake in the operation in exchange for that somewhat lower base salary.

[jussij]

> I think that's a bit high - possibly a lot high

This seems very low to me.

Let's assume 3 employees at your rather low rate. That's: 3 x $70k = $210k.

So all you money is now gone.

With no money left how are you going to pay the rent, pay for equiment, pay for any other day to day business expenses (i.e. phone, electricity, insurance, taxes etc).

I'd say $200k is even too low for 2 employees (in any western country).

[SeoxyS]

That's assuming he's taking money for a full year…

In reality, he's not paying the employees a year's salary upfront, so at this point all he really needs to have in cash is the first couple months' salary.

Imagine that he's going off 6 months, at which point he would reassess the financial situation (whether he needs to raise more money, lay off, or is now making enough profits to pay for the team.)

Just a thought…