No stock options. No arbitrary valuations. No four-year handcuffs.
We pay all staff minimum wage — whether you're a contractor or a W-2 employee. That's the cash portion.
We grant you real stock. This covers the gap between minimum wage and the market rate for your services. This is restricted stock issued at nominal cost — pennies — not options. You own actual shares.
We don't use calendar-based vesting. Instead, you set a target number of hours you intend to work, and we tie vesting to actual hours worked. Hit your target? Keep 100% of your shares. Work half? Keep half.
We don't negotiate random ownership percentages. Nobody knows what an early-stage company is worth — that's why we base everything on the first priced round. Your ownership is determined by a formula:
Hours worked × Market rate / Valuation at first priced round = Your ownership
Earlier participants earn a multiplier. Because early contributors take more risk, they earn a multiplier on their contribution. The earlier you join, the higher the multiplier.
You can optionally reinvest your cash wages back into the company at terms more favorable than those offered to external investors.
You file an 83(b) election. Within 30 days of receiving your grant, you file a one-page form with the IRS electing to be taxed on the stock's value at the time of grant — which is nominal. You pay pennies in tax now, rather than owing taxes on a much higher value later.
You can leave anytime. If you leave early, you keep the shares you've vested. The company repurchases the rest at the original nominal price. No penalty, no forfeiture — you walk away with exactly what you earned.
Your contribution credit determines the size of your share grant. The number of shares is sized so that at the company's first priced round, their value would reflect:
Contribution Credit = (Market Rate − Min Wage) × Target Hours × Multiplier
Shares are issued at nominal cost today. Their potential value is realized at a future valuation event.
Example:
Hourly rate: $15/hr (minimum wage)
Over 2,000 hours: $30,000
Paid in Cash
$30,000
Gap: $85/hr ($100 − $15)
Base credit: $170,000
With 1.25× multiplier: $212,500
Equity Value at 1st Valuation
$212,500
Adjust these inputs to see how the contribution credit scales with different market rates, commitment levels, and early-participation multipliers:
Nothing on this page constitutes an offer to sell securities or a recommendation of any security or investment product. This content describes the company's equity compensation philosophy and is provided for informational purposes only.
Forward-Looking Statements: Any statements regarding potential future outcomes, valuations, ownership percentages, or returns are forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. No representation or warranty is made regarding the achievement of any projected outcomes.
Equity Risk: Equity in early-stage companies is highly speculative and involves a substantial risk of loss. Most startups fail. Restricted stock granted as compensation may become worthless. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Equity Compensation Terms: Actual equity compensation terms, including share counts, pricing, retention formulas, and plan details, are governed by the company's equity compensation plan and individual grant agreements. Nothing on this page overrides or modifies those documents.
Tax Considerations: The 83(b) election and tax treatment described on this page are general summaries only. Individual tax consequences vary. You should consult with your own qualified tax advisor before making any decisions regarding equity compensation or 83(b) elections.
No Professional Advice: This content does not constitute legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. You should consult with your own qualified advisors before making any decisions related to equity compensation.
No Reliance or Obligation: You should not rely on any information presented on this page to make employment or compensation decisions. Examples, calculations, and scenarios are illustrative only. No representation or warranty is made regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information. No contractual or other obligation is created by viewing this content.
Interested in early-stage opportunities?
View Open Positions