We need to rethink employee compensation

Re:We need to rethink employee compensation by MCRed on Wednesday June 24, 2015 @05:43PM (#9774692)

Yep, but I couldn't care less about the portfolio, and the founders shouldn't either. You're pointing out why VCs need big exits, and even a profitable one like this one may not be profitable "enough", but that "enough" is their portfolio view.

From a founder view, we shouldn't be carrying the weight of the effective cost of the fact that the VCs can't pick companies worth a damn and want to make it up on us, if we happen to be good.

Nobody is entitled to venture capital, and starting a company without it is a good idea.

And VCs are not entitled to more equity & control than makes economic sense for the founders. That's what I'm opposing, but I don't think you disagree.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:We need to rethink employee compensation by tptacek on Wednesday June 24, 2015 @05:49PM (#9774724)

You very much do care about the economics of VC if you need their money to build your company. No professional investor will give you terms that will lead to them losing money; that's irrational.

People don't sell equity to VCs because they've been snake-charmed by them. They do it because if you need 2MM+ for your company, they're the only realistic option. Ever talk to a bank about a line of credit against receivables? That's a fun conversation.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:We need to rethink employee compensation by bane on Wednesday June 24, 2015 @07:50PM (#9775184)

You should care about the portfolio, because that's the model VCs have used to decide to invest in your company.

[ Parent | on HN ]