[roncesvalles]

I know this is HN but imo it's rarely ever a good deal to work at startups as an employee instead of a cofounder (with actual cofounder equity not just the title i.e. within the same order of magnitude as the largest-shareholding cofounder), over a bigger established company.

The only good reasons to do so are if you want to learn or make contacts so that you can found your own startup later.

In my pensive moments, one of the things about humans that makes me go "god damn" is how little money it takes for insanely talented people to just come and work for you.

[marssaxman]

The other good reason is that you might enjoy the experience more than you would enjoy the stultifying, oppressive, slow-moving environment of a big corporation. That's why I keep doing it: I'm not expecting to get rich, I'm just trying to live a good life, and it's proven to be much easier for me to do that when I work for a startup.

I value startup equity at ~$0, but if the salary is enough to live comfortably, that's fine.

[DSingularity]

I don’t think that’s entirely correct.

You need to work with good people. There is no substitute for ethics.

Also you need not go for roles where they offer .3 % and make a big deal about it. Don’t take less than 1% minimum and as soon as two years pass by and you have carried your weight start looking for a new job. If they value you they will bump you up. It they don’t you will bump yourself up by going for a new job. And don’t be afraid to go for competitors if you believe in the value of the space.

[freeone3000]

The startup I work for keeps my employment because they keep bidding competitively with the investment banks I would otherwise work for.

They have the cash, if you have the leverage. Use it.