參加新創公司前應該知道的事項

 

現在愈來愈多人願意加入一些新創公司，而非在傳統的公司謀求穩定的工作職位。這些新創公司通常可以提供更多的樂趣，能夠給予智慧貢獻好的報酬，也有可能在未來給予豐厚的報酬。但是，參加這樣的新創公司，也會有很大的風險。

在你參加這樣的新創公司之前，你應該知道以下的事項：

1. 公司發行多少股？如果你受邀請入股參加一個新創公司，這會很誘人。但是，你必須知道你可以擁有這家新公司多少比例的所有權。你可以詢問你可以得到的股份數與發行的股數的比例是如何的？
2. 多久可以拿到股份所有權？多數的新創公司對於邀請入股的股東會實施股權閉鎖期，并依照約定期限，分批撥付實際的股權。你有必要知道這樣的股權閉鎖與撥付期限。
3. 這個團隊是否有可靠的記錄？確保你對這個團隊有足夠深入的了解，他們的投資者是誰？顧問有那些人？他們過去的成功記錄有哪些？
4. 他們的競業合約與保密合約是如何的？許多新創公司會要求邀請參與入股的股東與員工簽訂競業合約與保密合約。在競業合約中，約定在合約期限內，甚至包含服務期滿離開公司后的一段年限內，不得與競爭對手公司服務或合作。在保密合約中，會規定員工在服務期間，無論是在公司或是在公司外的任何創作的所有權均屬於公司，并不得洩密。你有必要了解這些限制性合約的細節。
5. 我為什麼要參加這家公司？最後要問自己，什麼理由讓你願意辭掉原來有穩定收入的工作，來參加一個具有風險的新創公司？有些人是因為厭惡了原來的工作；有些人是想要得到一份特殊的工作經歷；有些人是希望能夠發財；有些人是認為這個新公司要做的事情很酷。弄清楚自己的動機是什麼，否則你不會得到快樂。

What should be known before taking part in a new venture？

Nowadays, more and more people are willing to join some new ventures rather than seeking stable jobs in traditional companies. These start-ups can usually offer more fun, good rewards for intellectual contributions, and possibly good rewards in the future. However, participation in such a start-up will also pose great risks.

Before you join such a startup, you should know the following:

1. How many shares are issued by the company? It would be tempting if you were invited to participate in a start-up company. But you must know how much ownership you can own in the new company. Can you ask how many shares you can get from the number of shares issued?
2. How long can I get the ownership of the stock? Most startups impose an equity lock-up period on the shareholders' meeting in which they are invited to participate and, according to the agreed time limit, allocate the actual equity in batches. It is necessary for you to know such a stock lock and the time limit.
3. Does the team have a reliable record? Make sure you have enough in-depth knowledge of the team and whose investors are they? What are the advisers? What are the records of their past success?
4. What are their competing contracts and confidentiality agreements? Many new start-ups will ask shareholders and shareholders to sign contracts for competition and confidentiality contracts. In the competition contract, the agreement shall not be served or cooperated with the competitor's company within the period of the contract, even within a period of years after the service expires from the company. In a confidentiality contract, the employees in the service, whether in the company or outside the company, are owned by the company and shall not be divulged. It is necessary for you to understand the details of these restrictive contracts.
5. Why should I join this company? Finally, ask yourself, why would you want to quit a job with a steady income and join a risky start-up? Some people are disgusted with the original job; some people want to get a special job experience; some people want to be able to make a fortune; some think the new company is going to do something cool. Figure out what your motives are, otherwise you won't be happy.