Veteran tech VC David Beisel draws on nearly 20 years of hearing the same question more than most: How do I find that perfect startup to join? In this guide, learn what crucial questions to ask employers, as well as a process to run to find, vet, and negotiate with the best startups in your city. Whether you're doing marketing, sales, product, design, or you're a jack-of-all-trades, we built this ebook with one thing in mind, which is the vast majority of the startup world (not founders, but the TEAM!)
7. And negotiations can be an awkward dance.
How can you handle that more gracefully?
8. And negotiations can be an awkward dance.
How can you handle that more gracefully?
(even more gracefully than Carlton…)
9. ?As a VC, I get this question almost
as often as I hear anything else:
10. ?As a VC, I get this question almost
as often as I hear anything else:
1. How do I get my startup funded?
2. How do I find a great startup job?
11. So here are some practical tips to get
you headed down the right path…
So here are some practical tips to get
you headed down the right path…
12. So here are some practical tips to get
you headed down the right path…
So here are some practical tips to get
you headed down the right path…
(All are pulled from this free ebook,
available now for download.)
(All are pulled from this free ebook,
available now for download.)
16. !
Saying you want to join a
“startup” is too broad.
So rather than say “what” you’re
targeting (startups), think about
WHEN you’re targeting them.
17. !
Saying you want to join a
“startup” is too broad.
So rather than say “what” you’re
targeting (startups), think about
WHEN you’re targeting them.
There are really 3 opportune times to
join a startup that you should target…
20. When you can learn
from someone
or something
truly special
21. !
Unfortunately, this is where
people tend to make the biggest
mistake in any startup job search:
22. !
Unfortunately, this is where
people tend to make the biggest
mistake in any startup job search:
Joining a Series A or B startup
because they think it’s “safe.”
23. !
Unfortunately, this is where
people tend to make the biggest
mistake in any startup job search:
Joining a Series A or B startup
because they think it’s “safe.”
(In reality, you have all the risk of the
founders, but none of the reward.)
27. Don’t get blinded by
sexy press or community buzz.
Heat is just a leading indicator.
Your job is to narrow your list from there.
28. Don’t get blinded by
sexy press or community buzz.
Heat is just a leading indicator.
Your job is to narrow your list from there.
A few DOs and DON’Ts that can help…
29. !
DO DON’T
Focus your search on
specific verticals or themes.
Ask a VC if “you have any
job openings in your
portfolio.” (Probably, but
not a specific enough ask.)
Ask lawyers & other service
providers which of their
clients are gaining the most
traction lately.
Spend tons of time
browsing VC portfolios.
(OK to start, but can’t
decipher good from bad.)
Research which companies
have recently raised new
rounds of funding.
Tell others you’re a
“business mind” seeking a
tech team with a great
product. (Surprisingly
common. Rarely fruitful.)
31. How do you get to the Reality
behind the Dream?
32. ?
VCs get full transparency into
numbers and have several
interactions to learn more.
Prospective employees get only
what is volunteered and have just
a few interactions with a startup.
33. To get better informed,
try asking these 4 questions…
To get better informed,
try asking these 4 questions…
34. !
HIRING:
What was your headcount 6 months ago?
What will it be in 6 months? In 12?
FINANCING:
Who are your investors, and when was the last fundraise?
SPENDING:
What is the company burn rate, and what is its cash on hand?
SPEED BUMPS:
Has the company ever had a down, flat, or inside round?
Any prior CEO changes?
35. For an in-depth look at each of these four
crucial areas, explore the full guide:
(Click to trigger
PDF download.)
37. You did it. You ran a great process and
navigated your way to a startup offer.
38. You did it. You ran a great process and
navigated your way to a startup offer.
However…
39. ?You now need a firm grasp of two
key concepts, one of which tends
to cause more than a little
confusion among employees:
40. ?You now need a firm grasp of two
key concepts, one of which tends
to cause more than a little
confusion among employees:
1. Salary
2. Options
41. ?You now need a firm grasp of two
key concepts, one of which tends
to cause more than a little
confusion among employees:
1. Salary
2. OptionsOptions
44. The single-most
important thing to
learn from a startup
after getting an offer:
The # of fully diluted
shares outstanding.
Better yet:
“What % of the
company do my
options represent?”
45. !
That is the only way to know
what the number of options in
your offer is potentially worth – or
whether it will be worth anything
if the company exits someday.
46. !
That is the only way to know
what the number of options in
your offer is potentially worth – or
whether it will be worth anything
if the company exits someday.
1,000 shares
5,000 shares
10,000 shares
…all meaningless without that
other missing piece!
47. !
That is the only way to know
what the number of options in
your offer is potentially worth – or
whether it will be worth anything
if the company exits someday.
1,000 shares
5,000 shares
10,000 shares
…all meaningless without that
other missing piece!
BEFORE YOU CLICK AHEAD:
This is such a misunderstood part of any
startup job offer, but it’s absolutely critical
to grasp. To help, try bookmarking
this roundup of resources on the topic.
48. With salary and options as the levers,
I’d suggest framing negotiations like this:
52. Download the
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