This is definitely a great negotiation advice. I probably could negotiate better terms. But still it'd still start us (employee and employer) on the wrong foot. They'd think I am being greedy and I'd think this is a place where founders would always try to screw me over - breaking mutual trust - effectively ruining the positive spirit of working together.
> But still it'd still start us (employee and employer) on the wrong foot.
Absolutely false. I hear VPs all the time speak about trying to "close a candidate" during negotiations, like a car sale. If you are a tough negotiator you will only earn their respect.
No, you're not being greedy. They are being greedy. Being reasonable in return and walking away when you don't get what you want are the valid responses. Lots of good advise elsewhere in this thread regarding vesting and making sure that you don't end up with 'B' class shares.
This is completely backward. Your perceived worth is tied to your price. You will literally get better treatment and more respect by negotiating a better price.
Not negotiating just makes you look like you don't understand business and shouldn't be trusted with any business decisions.
