How do founders get paid?

[Startup Questions]

This is a question asked by an anonymous member at our most recent event in London.

[Harry]

When I started my first startup, my co-founder and I took modest salaries to keep our personal finances afloat while conserving cash for the business. We also received significant equity, aligning our interests with the company's long-term success. Dividends were not part of our early compensation, as we reinvested profits for growth. As we hit key milestones, performance-based bonuses became part of our compensation. The most exciting prospect was the potential for substantial returns from our equity if the company were sold or went public.

Other methods of payment:
- Dividends
- Bonuses
- Exit proceeds