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It only makes the options less valuable if they are actually offering a liquidity event, otherwise it is actually advantageous to employees as any new option grants (both new hire and refreshers) are delineated in dollars, so a lower valuation means they get more of them.

I get that this might not align with the perspective of their employees, especially if they skew young and their expectations were shaped by tech stock price dynamics of the 2010s. A lot of folks haven't yet come to terms with the new normal. From an ISO/RSU earning employee's perspective, it's better for prices to correct quickly and completely so you can start getting new grants at more reasonable valuation with real upside.



It really depends. A lower valuation also means raising money will be at lower valuations, which means investors get more of the company, which means more share dilution.


For any employees that have already exercised their options, that also means the value of what they thought they were getting just went down.


The imaginary value went down, unless they are actually offering liquidity for employees who have exercised.


Secondary markets exist for Stripe stock.


If they buy back after exercising, they would be making a profit!


Haha there has got to be some law against this.


Yes, but that a risk they accepted.


Sure, but it's still compensation that is now less attractive. I never called it a moral failing.


Nobody said otherwise. Doesn’t make make it anymore attractive though.




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