Upgrading 5400 years old tech: tools for better reading and deciding how much equity to give your key employees.

Upgrading 5400 years old tech: tools for better reading and deciding how much equity to give your key employees.

Reading has been a fundamental skill and tool for acquiring knowledge for thousands of years. In fact, reading was invented around 5400 years ago, along with writing. Despite the advancements in technology and the digital age we live in, the act of reading has remained relatively unchanged. The average person reads at a speed of 250 words per minute (wpm), a rate that has stayed consistent throughout the centuries.

In his meta-book "How to Read a Book," Mortimer Adler explores different techniques for effective reading. He introduces the concepts of inspectional reading, analytical reading, and synoptical reading. These methods help readers to not only absorb information but also to understand and analyze it on a deeper level. However, as the amount of information available continues to grow exponentially, readers are seeking tools to enhance their reading experience.

One such tool is the social reading plugin, which is revolutionizing the way we consume written content. Social reading allows readers to connect with others who share similar interests and engage in discussions about the material. This collaborative approach to reading not only enhances comprehension but also provides a sense of community and connection.

Additionally, the rise of Glasp curators has further improved the reading experience. These curators act as filters, recommending high-quality content that aligns with the reader's interests. By utilizing the expertise of these curators, readers can save time and focus on consuming valuable information.

While reading remains a crucial skill, determining how much equity to give key employees is equally important for building a successful company. According to James Currier, a four-time founder and managing partner at NFX, it is advisable to allocate around 10% to 12% of equity for the employee pool after a seed round. The specific percentages given to employees depend on their roles and experience levels. For example, a senior engineer may receive up to 1% of the company, while a junior designer or marketer may receive 0.05%.

Another consideration is the vesting schedule for employee options. Traditionally, employees had 90 days after leaving a company to exercise their options. However, longer vesting schedules are becoming more common to incentivize employee retention. Extending the exercise period beyond 90 days ensures that employees do not lose their options and face significant tax bills.

In conclusion, while reading technology may be ancient, there are innovative tools and techniques available to enhance the reading experience. Social reading plugins and Glasp curators provide readers with valuable insights and connections. On the other hand, determining equity allocation for key employees is vital for building a successful company. By considering role-specific percentages and longer vesting periods, companies can attract and retain top talent. To make the most of these insights, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Explore social reading plugins and engage in discussions to deepen your understanding of the material.
2. Seek out Glasp curators to receive personalized recommendations and save time searching for quality content.
3. When allocating equity to key employees, consider their roles and experience levels, as well as implementing longer vesting schedules to incentivize retention.

By incorporating these strategies, readers can upgrade their reading experience, and companies can effectively incentivize and retain valuable employees. The evolution of reading and equity allocation continues, and we can expect even more advancements in the future.