"Analyzing AngelList Job Postings and How to Keep a Commonplace Book"

"Analyzing AngelList Job Postings and How to Keep a Commonplace Book"

In the fast-paced world of startups and technology, it's crucial for founders to make informed decisions about hiring and equity distribution. In the article "Analyzing AngelList Job Postings, Part 2: Salary and Equity Benchmarks," the author discusses the dangers of being too generous with equity in the early stages of a company. By giving away more equity than necessary, founders may hinder their ability to make stronger offers to future candidates, raise more investment capital, or retain decision-making power.

The author provides salary and equity benchmarks for engineering jobs in Silicon Valley based on a medium-sized sample. These benchmarks serve as a guide rather than strict rules. For example, the 20th percentile salary range for employees 2 through 13 is $75k - $100k, while the 80th percentile salary range is $100k - $150k. As for equity distribution, the percentages range from 2% - 3% for the first hire to 0.25% - 0.5% for hires 28 through 34.

It's important to note that these numbers can be framed as "up to" each range. For instance, a typical 6th hire may receive up to 0.5% - 1% equity. The article also highlights the equity percentages for designers and employees in different positions, emphasizing the need for founders to carefully consider their offers.

While equity distribution is a critical aspect of building a startup team, it's equally important for individuals to develop their intellectual pursuits and capture valuable knowledge. This brings us to the article "How And Why To Keep A 'Commonplace Book'" by RyanHoliday.net. The concept of a commonplace book is to create a central resource where one can collect ideas, quotes, anecdotes, observations, and information encountered throughout life.

Many influential figures throughout history, such as Marcus Aurelius and Petrarch, have kept commonplace books. The purpose is to gather teachings, sayings, and practical knowledge that can be applied in one's life. By reading widely and actively noting passages, words, stories, and information that stand out, individuals can enhance their learning experience. This practice, known as "marginalia," allows readers to engage with the text and author, creating a dialogue within the pages.

A commonplace book is not limited to written material. It can include insights from movies, speeches, videos, or conversations. The goal is to curate a collection of valuable resources that align with one's learning priorities. Organizing the entries through a notecard system, as exemplified by Ronald Reagan, enables individuals to categorize and shuffle the cards to uncover themes and connections.

Ultimately, both the analysis of AngelList job postings and the practice of keeping a commonplace book provide valuable insights for founders and individuals alike. Founders can use the salary and equity benchmarks as a starting point to make informed decisions about compensation and equity distribution. On the other hand, individuals can enhance their intellectual pursuits by actively collecting and organizing knowledge and ideas.

To conclude, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. For founders: Carefully consider equity distribution in the early stages of your startup. Avoid giving away more equity than necessary, as it may impact future hiring, fundraising, and decision-making.

2. For individuals: Develop a commonplace book to capture valuable ideas and knowledge encountered in various forms. Read widely, take active notes, and engage in marginalia to enhance your learning experience.

3. For both founders and individuals: Organize your collected knowledge in a systematic way, such as using a notecard system. This will allow you to easily categorize, shuffle, and uncover themes, maximizing the value of your resources.

By incorporating these practices into your professional and personal life, you can make more informed decisions and continuously expand your intellectual horizons.