In the later part of my career, I’ve had all sorts of “opportunities” to be a “technical cofounder” or a “CTO” (which was barely a glorified overworked tech lead).

My motto is “FYPM”: https://youtu.be/3XGAmPRxV48?si=zSXRVQibvli1QTk1

Cash not illiquid equity at my market rate:

“You’re getting in on the ground floor of something huge.”

“We can’t offer big salaries yet, but the upside potential is enormous.”

“You’ll have massive impact here — way more than at a big company.”

“We’re looking for people who are mission-driven, not just here for the money.”

“Everyone is making sacrifices right now.”

“Once we close the next funding round, we’ll revisit compensation.”

“The real reward is in the equity, not the salary.”