[ricardobeat]

Higher equity is always the most rewarding option in the best possible outcome. But it's hard to leave safe money on the table. Four years from now the company could be worth way more than the current $5mm, then those $20k/year would look like scraps.

I agree with tptacek; 100/0.1 and 50/1 suit very different persons, the company should decide which type it's going after and limit that range.

[robryan]

At 50/1 for a company just out of of an accelerator you would have to think that you would be better off jut starting your own company.

[rdl]

Also depends on which company, and who you are. There are companies that go into accelerators after raising money, with great traction, etc. If you're just out of school or bigco and NOT a potential founder right now, doing 50/1 for 2 years to build great experience might be worthwhile, although pushing for higher cash comp once the company raises >$1mm or so might be reasonable.

From what I've seen of YC W12 and S12 companies, there are >10 where I would have done $50-70k + 1% to work there for 2-4y, back when I was 25, and absolutely after leaving school.