Got my first VC offer after 8 years in product, but the comp structure’s all carry and minimal base. How do PMs without finance backgrounds negotiate this? Need real examples of transitioning professionals who’ve balanced guaranteed income vs long-term upside. Especially interested in how community negotiation playbooks handle clawback clauses or vesting schedules for operational roles.
they’re lowballing you with fake carry. demand base covering 70% of current comp. saw a PM take 90k base + ‘partner track’ bs – firm exited before his carry vested. get guaranteed syndication rights on deals you source or walk
Negotiate for GP commitment periods matching your vesting schedule – one community member secured 30% base salary uplift by tying cash comp to immediate deal sourcing responsibilities. Always calculate carry value against the fund’s historical distributions, not the nominal percentage. Playbooks suggest requesting waterfall position transparency before signing.
wait u can negotiate that?? thought VC comp was take-it-or-leave-it. gonna ask my mentor about syndication rights thx!