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Offer Comparator

Compare a startup offer with a big-company salary and stock package, and find the exit valuation where the two pay the same.

Startup offer
Big-tech offer

Counted as $100K a year, up to 4 years.

Compare over
4 years

Break-even exit valuation

$130M

Above a $130M exit valuation, the startup offer pays more over 4 years. Below it, the big-tech offer does.

Big-tech pay, 4 years$720K salary + $400K RSUs
$1,120,000
Startup salary, 4 years
−$600,000
Gap the equity must cover
$520,000
Effective ownership0.50% after 20% dilution
÷0.40%
Break-even exit valuation
$130,000,000

Total pay over 4 years, by exit valuation

The big-tech offer pays $1.12M over 4 years whatever the exit valuation. The last column is the startup total minus that.

  • $50M$800K−$320K
  • $130M exit valuationBreak-even
  • $150M$1.2M+$80K
  • $500M$2.6M+$1.48M
  • $1BUnicorn$4.6M+$3.48M
  • $5B$20.6M+$19.5M
  • $10BDecacorn$40.6M+$39.5M
  • $20B$80.6M+$79.5M
  • $50B$200.6M+$199.5M

Equity needed at a target exit valuation

The grant that would make both offers pay the same over 4 years, if the company sells for the valuation you pick.

Equity needed

0.13%

Your 0.50% grant is above this, so the startup offer pays more at a $500M exit valuation.

Gap the equity must cover
$520,000
Target exit valuation$500M after 20% dilution
÷$400M
Equity needed
0.13%

What this leaves out

  • Taxes on salary, RSUs, and equity
  • Vesting and leaving early
  • Raises and refresher grants
  • Stock price changes
  • Liquidation preferences

Both totals are before tax. The big-tech side assumes the RSUs keep their grant value; the startup side counts equity only at an exit. How we model equity

Keep going

Live roles in your range

Roles whose equity range includes 0.50%.

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Questions about comparing offers

Is it worth joining a startup instead of Google?

It depends on your risk tolerance and the specific startup. The comparator shows the breakeven exit valuation where your startup equity equals your big tech total comp.

How do I compare startup equity to RSUs?

RSUs have a guaranteed value (the stock price). Startup equity has a range of possible values. The comparator shows the startup value at each exit scenario side-by-side with your RSU value.

What equity percentage beats a FAANG offer?

Use the reverse solver: enter your FAANG total comp and target exit valuation to see the equity percentage that makes the offers equivalent.

Should I take a lower salary for more equity?

If you believe in the company's potential and can afford the lower salary, more equity can be advantageous. The comparator shows the trade-off quantitatively.