[cimi_]

Why does the title say 'in London'? Everything else I've read in the thread refers to Manchester.

I agree with other posters, unless there's a clear strategy to cash in on the equity, you can consider it (to put it nicely) a bet with bad odds. You say you're friends with the founders, that should decrease the chances of you getting screwed over but it's still a possibility. And that's in the unlikely scenario that you can cash in your shares.

A question for you - if you can get a job at a company with a higher total comp (RSUs, bonus etc), why don't you? If the answer is you haven't looked at this but would be willing, get an offer and come back with it to your founders. You can do that after they give you this current raise.

Also, beware, management is different from doing everything yourself :)

[ManchesterDev]

I live in South Manchester, role is technically in London. We don’t have a permanent office as the team are fairly remote. When we meet it’s in London and the team hire out some rooms/desks at a cowork. I occasionally travel down, 2-3 times a month for these meet days. Centre of gravity of employees and activity is London, but we have people flying in from Scotland and France too.

Thanks for the suggestions! I could definitely shop around. I don’t have time in this round of negotiations as need to give a counter offer next week. I also really enjoy working here, it’s a good set up.