Archive · 4 Aug 2025
Redditor Shares Startup Experience, Lost ESOPs and Ghosting
A person worked for a new company for over three years, hoping to get stock as payment instead of a salary.
They never got any money during that time.
The company promised them stock, but now they're not talking to them.
The person shared their story online to warn others.
They tried to take legal action but it was too difficult and expensive.
They are frustrated and advise others to get everything in writing before working for a company.
A Reddit user claims to have worked for a startup for over three years without salary, based on ESOP promises.
The user's post details being 'ghosted' by the company after vesting was complete.
The user shared his experience on the r/Entrepreneur subreddit as a cautionary tale.
The user explored legal options but found pursuing them would be costly and uncertain.
Fellow Redditors reacted with support and advice, with some suggesting the user name the company.
- Who
- A Reddit user identified as 'thewanderingfounder'
- What
- A Reddit user's experience of working for a startup for over three years without salary, based on ESOP promises, and subsequently being ghosted.
- When
- Over three years
- Where
- r/Entrepreneur subreddit
- Why
- To share a learning experience and warn others about potential pitfalls of working for startups based on ESOP promises without proper documentation.
The Redditor's Perspective
Company's Actions
Unfair Treatment
The Redditor's Perspective
The Redditor feels they were treated unfairly, having worked without pay based on the promise of ESOPs.
Company's Actions
The company's actions, which have resulted in them being ghosted after the vesting period, which is a significant injustice.
Financial and Emotional Burden
The Redditor's Perspective
The Redditor is frustrated about the lack of payment for their labor.
Company's Actions
The potential legal and emotional strain outweigh the possible gains in pursuing legal action.
- Reddit User Handle
- thewanderingfounder
- Employment Duration
- 3+ years
- Payment Type
- ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans)
- Subreddit
- r/Entrepreneur
- Legal Action Considered
- Yes, but deemed impractical