Joining a start-up fund - compensation

[tol1]

Hello,

 

I am having discussions with start-up investment funds. Having worked on the buy-side and comparing salaries with friends in the industry I have a decent overview on compensation levels. Needless to say that start-up funds carry greater risk and typically offer lower base salaries. There are 2 challenges I see:

 

1. Cities such as NYC and London have high living costs, so a minimum salary is required.

 

2. The potential "next" employer will always refer one to the last base salary, so one does not want to go too low.

 

How would you approach the discussion? I am willing to take the risk given the variable upside, but I think some level of experience (years and buy-side) should be accounted for as well.

 

What level is the absolute minimum in your view?

 

Thanks for the thoughts