Ask HN: How long would you go unpaid on a startup?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7732232

by jay_ta • 12 years ago

1 6 12 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

Suppose you are working for a startup, how long would you go unpaid and give credit to the company? (With and without equity)

whatthemick• 12 years ago

Without equity? Not a single day.

ellysetaylor212• 12 years ago

Well, it depends on idea. If the idea is good and will grow with the time I will ready to give one year.

jay_ta• 12 years ago

I hope for my sanity you're talking about the case of equity.

ellysetaylor212• 12 years ago

Yeah .

PaulHoule• 12 years ago

If it is MY company, a long time. If it is your company I need cash on the barrelhead.

dkersten• 12 years ago

Absolutely this. My own company - as long as I believe I have a realistic chance of it working out then as long as I'm able to (ie as long as I can pay rent, etc).

If its not my company, then not at all. Even with equity, since equity is worthless (until its not).

I define "my company" as: I don't necessarily have to have had a part in coming up with the idea or have to have a fancy position like CEO/COO/CTO, but rather have physical ownership (equity; a minimum of 10%, anything less doesn't feel like really owning the company), my opinions matter (input) and the other founders recognise me as a founder and treat me as a founder (this includes being named as a founder on any documentation where doing so is relevant, eg, slide decks, angellist).

Ask HN: How long would you go unpaid on a startup?

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