I think it might be &quot;just pure coincidence&quot;, though I think the way you describe it takes away from the validity.<p>I think it&#x27;s NOT USUAL for the first engineer to get the same stock options as the &quot;these second wave engineers&quot;. It&#x27;s possible, if the first engineer is a horrible negotiator or the founders are not people you want to work with, but not usual by any means.<p>I have seen the second wave engineers get a higher salary (but lower overall compensation package) than the first. That happens quite a bit.<p>Hope that helps.