Before I do so, however, let me preface this with a disclaimer that:
- all generalizations, rules of thumbs, and industry practices are imperfect and flawed by definition;
- no two companies are the same, so do what's right by your employees and consultants;
- each individual contributor is different and may warrant a different percentage under a special set of circumstances; and
- the ranges listed are only typical, if at all, for early-stage company (not a company with a $100,000,000 valuation).
So, provided below are merely benchmarks which may prove useful in creating your startup's own compensation scheme:
| Chief Executive Officer | – | 5-8% |
| C-Level Executive/VP | – | 2-3% |
| Independent Director | – | 1% |
| Advisory Board Member | – | 0.15%/year |
| Lead Engineer | – | 0.5 - 1% |
| Senior Engineer | – | 0.33% - 0.66% |
| Junior Engineer | – | 0.2% - 0.33% |
Happy company-making to all!
Inna
 | Inna Efimchik at White Summers Caffee & James LLP, specializes in assisting emerging technology companies in Silicon Valley and beyond, providing incorporation, financing, and licensing services as well as general corporate counseling. |
LEGAL DISCLAIMER Copyright Notice. The copyright for all original content in this post and any linked files is owned by Inna Efimchik. All rights are reserved. No Attorney-Client Relationship. This post has been prepared by Inna Efimchik of White Summers for general informational purposes only. The information provided herein does not constitute advertising, a solicitation or legal advice. Neither the availability, transmission, receipt nor use of any information included herein is intended to create, or constitutes formation of, an attorney-client relationship or any other special relationship or privilege. You should not rely upon this post for any purpose without seeking legal advice from licensed attorneys in the relevant state(s). Compliance with Laws. You agree to use the information provided herein in compliance with all applicable laws, including applicable securities laws, and you agree to indemnify and hold Inna Efimchik and White Summers Caffee & James LLP harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, losses or obligations arising from your failure to comply. Disclaimer of Liability. ALL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED AS-IS WITH NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. YOU ASSUME COMPLETE RESPONSIBILITY AND RISK FOR USE OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS POST. Inna Efimchik expressly disclaims all liability, loss or risk incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the use of any information provided herein. By using any information in this post, you waive any rights or claims you may have against Inna Efimchik and White Summers Caffee & James LLP in connection therewith.
