[cat9]

I'd assume that between A and B, someone took them aside and said "are you insane, new grads in Seattle can get $90k filling CRUD tickets, you're never going to keep anyone even halfway decent for $48k."

Fair warning: this is probably indicative of their overall experience level at running a business & a team, which may tell you a few things about the ride you'll be in for with them (as opposed to any of the numerous other places in Seattle which would be happy to take you).

[onetwofifth]

They knew exactly what the market rate was. One of the founders was my ex boss. They also knew that I had recently been laid off because of budget cuts.

I am leaning towards they tried to screw me over, got caught and said "haha, joking". I am worried about them trying to start a company like this, when quality of first employees and execution are key. Ideas are cheap.

It feels like the long term relationship is poisoned already.

[nstart]

The fact that this is what you think means your relationship at a new company level is already beyond salvation.

[chipsy]

Bad faith is not uncommon. But now that they've done it once, feel free to turn the knife and ask for even more. I've been in a negotation where the company made a "final offer" that was egregiously low where I had the leverage. I waited two weeks to reply, countered with a 10x increase, waited another two weeks, and then increased it another 4x. Both times they capitulated.

(It was probably still too little.)

[mrits]

Do you mean percentage? Or did you counter a $100K offer with $1 million and then asked for more?