[pseudorocker]

What's your role gonna be? Will you have a Founder title? That will completely inform the answer. Joining as a co-founder or President? Go big, 5-10%. An exec? Aim for 3-8%. An Engineer or other role? 1-3%.

And of course, always ask for more than the above at the outset. It's a negotiation.

[jetupper]

I won't be joining as a co-founder, and the role i'm gonna play in the company is more on the engineering / product side.

So i'm guessing somewhere around the 5% region would be fair?

[pseudorocker]

You would be blessed to get 5%! Standard from what I see in early stage startups in Silicon Valley... I'd shoot for 1%, and be happy with 0.5%. Dirty secret of the Valley: You only get rich if you are a co-founder, or join the next Google.

[jetupper]

Ah, pardon my naivety. Well, I'll look at the figures you provided then. Thanks!

[dear]

5% for an engineering guy? How many employees could they hire before they run out of shares?

[jetupper]

Thanks for the reminder, was too naive!