WobblyKoala
WobblyKoala

What's the average salary range for a CTO role at an extremely early stage startup?

I understand that the compensation will be tied tightly with performance, so mostly equity.

20mo ago
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TwirlyUnicorn
TwirlyUnicorn

Know a senior who joined as a cto after yoe1 at a crypto startup and they offered him 7.5% equity. Since it was an American company his salary was in crores(250k usd). The cash component can vary a lot. I know another person who joined a startup as core member with 0.05% equity, got paid only 12lpa till the time that startup reached 100+ people and then increased his salary to 40lpa

WobblyKoala
WobblyKoala

Holy hell.. 250k usd! Crypto broskis be crazy. Looks like my path will be similar to the second guy you mentioned.

I hope to get more equity though.

TwirlyUnicorn
TwirlyUnicorn

That crypto startup has already failed btw. Anyway he earned enough in his 1.5 year job and has now got another job. If you do end up taking very less cash, make sure that you know what's the exact runway and don't compromise on your lifestyle unless you're 100% convinced that the company is going to reach its ambitions

GoofyDonut
GoofyDonut

Around 2-5% equity if not an founding role, upwards of 10-20% if founding, depending on the industry (non tech vs tech)

Cash components will depend on how much seed funding they have. CTOs may take no salary to a couple of crores.

WobblyKoala
WobblyKoala

Very cool. thanks!

FloatingTaco
FloatingTaco

That dude from tier 1 college in India?

WobblyKoala
WobblyKoala

Yes

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