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Launch HN: Compound (YC S19) – helping employees understand equity compensation

news.ycombinator.com

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Re: Launch HN: Compound (YC S19) – helping employees understand equity compensation

#21

Post by geoffreyy »

zuhayeer wrote: post #20
geoffreyy wrote: post #10

Congrats on making it to YC 19! Love the idea, in fact I started something similar[1] in March 2018 when I was switching job. I also heard too many stories of friends accepting early stage companies offers with little to no equity and I was hurting for them. I hope we (employees) will finally get our leverage back and fight for better equity but ALSO better liquidity! If founders get liquidity, employees should too,…

Reffo.us is pretty cool, curious why you stopped (or is it still going?)

Well I didn't manage to solve the chicken & egg issue where there was no value for someone to put up their offer if there was no community adding feedback. I reached 500 users by posting on Blind app but not enough stickiness. I am open sourcing it next and hope to give it a new life!

Re: Launch HN: Compound (YC S19) – helping employees understand equity compensation

#22

Post by hobofan »

> We provide forecasting tools that show you how much your equity is worth, display tax implications (AMT exposure, capital gains), and model exit scenarios.

That sounds like you would be cannibalizing your user base if you do a good job. Every time I (or friends of mine) started modelling exit scenarios in the past, it became very apparent that none of the realistic exit scenarios would yield any significant payout. Often times this was one of the contributing factors to leaving the company, and sometimes leaving the startup field entirely.

Re: Launch HN: Compound (YC S19) – helping employees understand equity compensation

#23

Post by samblr »

kevinflo wrote: post #19

I'm shocked by the comments of those here that don't see why something like this must exist and don't see that there is tremendous financial upside for whoever cracks this. Employee equity can generate unbelievable amounts of wealth as well as unbelievable tax consequences/missed opportunities. The deck is mostly stacked against employees, and you're on your own navigating treacherous waters with little information.…

This is really good discussion.I ve created Ask HN post to learn more about equity return of early stage employees

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=20618916

Re: Launch HN: Compound (YC S19) – helping employees understand equity compensation

#24

Post by simonebrunozzi »

Some (IMHO) very relevant past conversations on HN about equity:

1) Introducing Progressive Equity – Increase employee ownership as company grows: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9336392

2) What I Wish I'd Known About Equity Before Joining a Unicorn: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13426494

3) Open Guide to Equity Compensation : https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10880726

4) Employee Equity (Sam Altman) : https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7610527

5) Guide to Your Equity: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10362141

6) Holloway Guide to Equity Compensation: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=17717727

Re: Launch HN: Compound (YC S19) – helping employees understand equity compensation

#25

Post by jrdngonen »

simonebrunozzi wrote: post #24

Some (IMHO) very relevant past conversations on HN about equity: 1) Introducing Progressive Equity – Increase employee ownership as company grows: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9336392 2) What I Wish I'd Known About Equity Before Joining a Unicorn: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13426494 3) Open Guide to Equity Compensation : https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10880726 4) Employee Equity (Sam Altman) :…

Thanks for these links.

Thinking we will see amplification of this topic as employees, founders, investors, and hiring platforms bring more transparency to equity and compensation. Would love to hear any ideas that stick out to you.

Re: Launch HN: Compound (YC S19) – helping employees understand equity compensation

#26

Post by m463 »

kevinflo wrote: post #19

I'm shocked by the comments of those here that don't see why something like this must exist and don't see that there is tremendous financial upside for whoever cracks this. Employee equity can generate unbelievable amounts of wealth as well as unbelievable tax consequences/missed opportunities. The deck is mostly stacked against employees, and you're on your own navigating treacherous waters with little information.…

It's wonderful for something like this to exist.

> In the future, Compound will earn revenue by offering financial products.

This is the only thing I would be concerned about. Would it generate a conflict of interest with some advice?

Re: Launch HN: Compound (YC S19) – helping employees understand equity compensation

#27

Post by calcsam »

Thanks for building this! I spent a year building this as a side project and never got anywhere in terms of adoption, so abandoned it. The world really needs this and excited that you're picking up the torch.

Your vesting calculator is buggy, it vests 50% at the one-year cliff instead of 25%.

https://withcompound.com/g/understanding-equity-compensation

https://imgur.com/a/ud87ehk

Re: Launch HN: Compound (YC S19) – helping employees understand equity compensation

#28

Post by jrdngonen »

calcsam wrote: post #27

Thanks for building this! I spent a year building this as a side project and never got anywhere in terms of adoption, so abandoned it. The world really needs this and excited that you're picking up the torch. Your vesting calculator is buggy, it vests 50% at the one-year cliff instead of 25%. https://withcompound.com/g/understanding-equity-compensation https://imgur.com/a/ud87ehk

Hey thanks for the kind words and for calling this out.

Perhaps it is a bit misleading but the calculator is working as designed. The Vesting Start Date is the "first day your stock has vested" which, in that example, would be at the one-year cliff.

Hope that makes sense, we will try to think of a better design so this is clearer.

Re: Launch HN: Compound (YC S19) – helping employees understand equity compensation

#29

Post by simonebrunozzi »

jrdngonen wrote: post #25
simonebrunozzi wrote: post #24

Some (IMHO) very relevant past conversations on HN about equity: 1) Introducing Progressive Equity – Increase employee ownership as company grows: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9336392 2) What I Wish I'd Known About Equity Before Joining a Unicorn: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13426494 3) Open Guide to Equity Compensation : https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10880726 4) Employee Equity (Sam Altman) :…

Thanks for these links. Thinking we will see amplification of this topic as employees, founders, investors, and hiring platforms bring more transparency to equity and compensation. Would love to hear any ideas that stick out to you.

If you're in SF, I'd be happy to chat over coffee - I have some ideas and suggestions for you. $HN_username @ gmail

Re: Launch HN: Compound (YC S19) – helping employees understand equity compensation

#30

Post by simonebrunozzi »

jrdngonen wrote: post #28
calcsam wrote: post #27

Thanks for building this! I spent a year building this as a side project and never got anywhere in terms of adoption, so abandoned it. The world really needs this and excited that you're picking up the torch. Your vesting calculator is buggy, it vests 50% at the one-year cliff instead of 25%. https://withcompound.com/g/understanding-equity-compensation https://imgur.com/a/ud87ehk

Hey thanks for the kind words and for calling this out. Perhaps it is a bit misleading but the calculator is working as designed. The Vesting Start Date is the "first day your stock has vested" which, in that example, would be at the one-year cliff. Hope that makes sense, we will try to think of a better design so this is clearer.

Yeah I think it is not clear enough. I suggest you rephrase the description at least.
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