Compensation benchmark data indicates that executive and mid-level software engineering compensation structures have pivoted sharply toward fixed cash base components over equity grants.
Equity Illiquidity Concerns
With initial public offering (IPO) windows constrained and late-stage startup valuations compressed, candidates are discounting restricted stock units (RSUs) by up to 40% during negotiation.
Retention Challenges for Employers
Firms relying on unvested stock option grants as primary retention hooks report elevated voluntary turnover among senior technical staff seeking immediate liquidity.