What are typical compensation numbers?

About
now you are probably saying, “Okay, you’ve written some helpful posts
(at least we hope you think they have been helpful) on compensation,
but show me the money!  What are some real life compensation numbers?” 

We hate compensation surveys. We hate average compensations ranges.  We hate industry data.  But
we
know you want it (since 42 of you have asked us for it.)  Just be
careful how you use it. These are our opinions and experience backed up
by some industry data that we track.  Every case is different.  Your
mileage will vary.  Tax, title, licence, and delivery charge not
included.

Much of the cash comp will depend on how large
the company is and where it is along the revenue and profitability
curve.  Geography matters and while these numbers are for the U.S,
there will also be major differences within different parts of the
country.  Also, note that each round of financing will dilute
ownership.  We’ve done our best here to spread these numbers out from
early stage and more mature startups.  One thing that seems fairly
consistent:  companies with less rounds of funding have lower paid
executives and founders make less cash, but have more equity than
non-founders.  Think of the non-founders as “hired guns” who are
professional company managers, whereas the founders may not be, but
given the risk of founding the company, generally hold higher equity
stakes. 

Posted in: Compensation