[leftpass]

known quantities don’t typically share ownership by percentage. certainly an early startup might offer %x equity, but once a quantity is known — therefore, no risk — you’re getting issued amounts of equity based on their value. I would be exceptionally surprised if YC are giving product engineers multi-million stakes at signing, I’d bet money that does not happen. If there is an equity compensation component (doubtful but not impossible), it’ll be measured in dollars.

As much as “exposure” is worthless, having worked for YC is worth more than a few hundred grand. I’d work for YC as an engineer below market rate.