How many people do they expect you to employee? What pay would you typically get in Russia? How much would they let you pay yourself?
40% seems a bit steep, but if you are also getting an OK (below market, but not terrible) salary for working on the project, then it sounds great (unless there are some legal traps). If they want you to hire dozens of staff, and everyone lives off ramen and the hope that some VP will be interested in funding the next step (for a huge chunk of the remaining equity), then it's not so great.
Comments
How many people do they expect you to employee? What pay would you typically get in Russia? How much would they let you pay yourself?
40% seems a bit steep, but if you are also getting an OK (below market, but not terrible) salary for working on the project, then it sounds great (unless there are some legal traps). If they want you to hire dozens of staff, and everyone lives off ramen and the hope that some VP will be interested in funding the next step (for a huge chunk of the remaining equity), then it's not so great.