I understand your visceral reaction here, and agree that equity pools need to be increased in general. But isn’t that really a reflection on all the folks who choose to join a startup for the prevailing equity packages offered today? The reality is unless you have founder or very early employee equity, it will take a Facebook size outcome to Be truly life changing.

Having been part of a billion dollar acquisition myself, I can attest that for the vast majority of people (myself included), it was equivalent to a nice bonus. Perhaps more people need to realize that and internalize that before they forego the higher compensation, and easier workload of an established company?

The only thing that will realistically get founders to share more equity is for the market to demand it. Personally I would not sign up for another startup journey unless I felt there was substantially more upside on the table. Otherwise, you’re better off joining BigCo or go further and start your own thing and get founder equity.

FWIW, I wouldn’t begrudge the Github founders... they’ve done an amazing job over a very long time. They rolled the dice and made it happen. Hats off to them!