Negotiating equity in a job offer
The share count means nothing without the denominator, the strike and the terms.
Ask for the real numbers
Request fully diluted shares outstanding, the current 409A value, the strike price, the preference stack and the last round's price per share. Percentage ownership is the only comparable figure.
Terms that matter
Vesting schedule and cliff, early exercise availability, post-termination exercise window, acceleration on change of control, and whether RSUs are single- or double-trigger.
What to trade
Equity is usually more negotiable than base salary at startups. An extended exercise window and early exercise rights often cost the company nothing and are worth a lot to you.
Educational content, not tax advice. Your outcome depends on your grant documents, income and state. Equity Tax Engine models your actual position — join the waitlist.