This is a good article, but a lot can happen between your option grant and an exit.  I'd keep in mind that startups are generally for making founders rich, not employees, and that no matter how hard you push on equity, the chances of you getting meaningful money from your options is pretty minute.  You may want to optimize your base salary instead.<p>That said, the most important concept in the entire article is "[i]f they won't tell you, go work somewhere else."  Founders who are open with their employees up front are less likely to take advantage of them later.