If by market rate, you mean $250k per year at Google, then yes, most startups will pay below market rate, but it&#x27;s a competitive market for talent and it&#x27;s very hard for startups to attract good talent. You need a generous compensation package and a compelling mission.<p>Everyone on my team makes 2x - 3x what I make, and I&#x27;m three years into my startup. I wouldn&#x27;t expect a non-founder to assume that same burden. Moreover, if we fail I&#x27;ll have no savings, I&#x27;ll likely have gone bankrupt trying to save the company, and that Magical Founders Club you speak of really only exists for founders who built a successful company and had an exit for their investors.<p>You also mentioned stress and health issues. I&#x27;m not sure why founders would be immune to that. They should have it far far worse. Heavy is the head that wears the crown.