Most startups are not generous enough with employee equity, and you should demand fair treatment in terms of compensation.

In a startup, it's important to prioritize cultural fit and enthusiasm for the product over just technical expertise when hiring.

Startups should focus on creating a product that employees love and that helps them understand their market value, rather than trying to cater to both employees and employers simultaneously.

Emphasize the unique learning opportunities at your startup, as candidates can gain real decision-making experience that they wouldn't get at larger companies.

When hiring for your startup, look for candidates who demonstrate flexibility in their ideas and are willing to consider different paths, treating the startup as a problem-solving mission rather than just a job.

Discuss the opportunity cost of working at a startup versus a large tech company, emphasizing the unique experiences and growth opportunities available.

Low salary CEOs in startups tend to outperform their higher-paid counterparts, as they are often more motivated by the potential for upside rather than immediate compensation.

It's important to put yourself in positions that maximize your personal rate of growth and learning, regardless of whether that's at a startup or not.

Startups prioritize problem-solving skills and contributions to open source over formal qualifications when hiring.