Opinion

October 25, 2021

Six pitfalls to avoid when negotiating employee stock options

Many startup employees give up part of their salary for a share in the company’s long-term success. Here’s how to negotiate your equity package.


LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash

The startup life promises much: personal development, autonomy, the chance to build a company that changes the world for the better. What it often cannot promise is the highest salary. This is why many startups offer employees a slice of the pie in the form of an Employee Stock Option Program (ESOP). Employees accept a lower base salary in exchange for ownership of the company — and a rich reward if the startup goes public or is acquired. 

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