Hello,
First time poster. I have a seemingly unique situation and opportunity that I'd love to know some of all of your takes on.
I left a position at a "Company A" where I was making good money in a technical role. I got really good at this technical role and became pigeon holed into that role. When asked for more development/engineering work, it was brushed aside and never really got to part-take. Since I was pigeon-holed into that technical role, I figured I wanted equity in a company if I was going to continue in doing the same thing. I left "Company A" (on great terms) for "Company B (Startup)" where I more or less do the same work, but have a stake in the company. "Company B" is great, co-workers are awesome, and I have a ton to learn in running and scaling a large venture capital business here. I have been at "Company B" for 2 years and have vested half of my shares. Starting to feel the drag of still doing something that I really don't want to do, but have equity in the business that could likely 4-10x to help fund a future venture.
Just a couple weeks ago, "Company A's" owner gives me a call and wants to make me an offer I can't refuse to come back and help pivot the business. This offer includes about 1.5x my current salary, buying me out of my shares at "Company B" and eventually wants to leave me the torch of his company. There's also no rush if I wanted to finish out my equity granting at "Company B" The company has been around for 15+ years and has a strong existing customer base. However, the culture there would need a huge overhaul. Running this business would likely tie up all of my time and not be as passive as other avenues of the fast lane because of how high-mix and technical the work can be at times. I'm very torn over whether or not picking up the pieces to an existing company is a good route to the fast lane. There's some good foundation there, but would require a lot of change and steering the boat in another direction.
So my questions are:
What questions should I have for the owner of Company A?
If I get to see the books, what should I be looking for?
What are my options for buying him out of the business over time?
How much risk is worth taking? ie. Inheriting Assets and debt
Would it be better to start my own thing from the ground up?
Any other advice you may have about the situation...
Thank you very much!
-C
First time poster. I have a seemingly unique situation and opportunity that I'd love to know some of all of your takes on.
I left a position at a "Company A" where I was making good money in a technical role. I got really good at this technical role and became pigeon holed into that role. When asked for more development/engineering work, it was brushed aside and never really got to part-take. Since I was pigeon-holed into that technical role, I figured I wanted equity in a company if I was going to continue in doing the same thing. I left "Company A" (on great terms) for "Company B (Startup)" where I more or less do the same work, but have a stake in the company. "Company B" is great, co-workers are awesome, and I have a ton to learn in running and scaling a large venture capital business here. I have been at "Company B" for 2 years and have vested half of my shares. Starting to feel the drag of still doing something that I really don't want to do, but have equity in the business that could likely 4-10x to help fund a future venture.
Just a couple weeks ago, "Company A's" owner gives me a call and wants to make me an offer I can't refuse to come back and help pivot the business. This offer includes about 1.5x my current salary, buying me out of my shares at "Company B" and eventually wants to leave me the torch of his company. There's also no rush if I wanted to finish out my equity granting at "Company B" The company has been around for 15+ years and has a strong existing customer base. However, the culture there would need a huge overhaul. Running this business would likely tie up all of my time and not be as passive as other avenues of the fast lane because of how high-mix and technical the work can be at times. I'm very torn over whether or not picking up the pieces to an existing company is a good route to the fast lane. There's some good foundation there, but would require a lot of change and steering the boat in another direction.
So my questions are:
What questions should I have for the owner of Company A?
If I get to see the books, what should I be looking for?
What are my options for buying him out of the business over time?
How much risk is worth taking? ie. Inheriting Assets and debt
Would it be better to start my own thing from the ground up?
Any other advice you may have about the situation...
Thank you very much!
-C
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