On: Startups ‘are staying private way too long’ says M...

[ralusek]

Can't private companies give out equity just fine?

[mikeg8 → ralusek]

Yes? But if there is no intention of an IPO, where an early employee has a reasonably easy path to liquidate their stock/options, what is the benefit of owning equity in a private company when there may be a limited/non-existent market for said equity?

[ralusek → mikeg8]

Potentially entitled to a percentage of quarterly profits, among other things. Draft whatever terms you'd like.

[scurvy → ralusek]

Startups these days eschew profits for "reinvesting in the bueiness." Heck, many publicly traded companies do this, too.

Also, let's be realistic in what you're asking for here.