SoCal CTO

SEPTEMBER 27, 2011

I was asked by a reader how much equity he should give out to early employees and to service providers in a very early stage startup. Founders vs. Early Employees To help with this discussion, let me start with a definition of "early employee." Which means n = (i - 1)/i.

Early Stage 391

Early Stage Equity CTO Hire Sweat Equity 391

Up and Running

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

For instance, the cap table will help you with various possibilities while running business activities like available options and pre-money valuations faster. In case this option is not available, you may quickly discover how much you will give and calculate the percentage you are ready to offer.

Cap Table 112

Cap Table Pre-Money Valuation Stock Options Option Pool 112

Tim Keane

JANUARY 12, 2010

An average of these ranges results in a pre-money valuation of about $4MM.   If similarly situated companies are seeing $3.5MM pre-money valuations, this might become the target valuation.   A cumulative dividend can get to be very expensive and is not often a feature in early stage terms.

Term Sheet 68

Term Sheet Valuation Dividend Liquidation Preference 68

Professor VC

JANUARY 17, 2008

Again, I see nothing wrong with this, although entrepreneurs often prefer convertible debt as it defers the valuation discussion and leaves the Series A price for the venture firm to set. He also said they typically only invest at a $1 million pre-money valuation or less.

Pre-Money Valuation 28

Pre-Money Valuation Angel Investor Angel Groups Valuation 28

www.paulgraham.com

APRIL 28, 2010

The reason is that employees are investors too—oftheir time—and they want just as much to be able to cash out. Ifyour competitors offer employees stock options that might make themrich, while you make it clear you plan to stay private, yourcompetitors will get the best people. Theres only common stock at this stage.

Technical Review 76

Technical Review Startup Software Review Angel Investor 76