I can see how you would come to that (incorrect) conclusion. No sense of entitlement to free lunches, plush offices, massages, and other perks that are common in SV. In return, no expectation of being tied to the office or working crazy hours.

We pay everyone exceptionally well - way higher than they would normally make in their home countries. Even at low-mid Bay Area levels. Just not near the top end of Bay Area salaries. There's no huge disparity in the pay for anyone. See my comment history for who is hiring posts with salaries included.

The founders live in SV and earn less than most of the workers actually. I think longer term we're going to just move away - we have no ties here at this point and we're just throwing money down the drain.