Wonder

Research Outline

Prepared for Ivan K. | Delivered November 26, 2019

Series B Compensation Benchmarks

Goals

Gain an understanding of compensation benchmarks for Series B/C startups for engineering, technology, and product roles, as well as data on bonuses and equity, and how pay varies by seniority

Early Findings

Startups in Series B stage may have a hard time convincing new hires to come onboard, and it's suggested paying them in the 75th-115th percentile of market pay ranges. 
The average salary for a product leadership role at a later stage/ Series B or C startup is estimated to be around $200,000, with data scientists and engineers paid around $100,000.   HR roles are paid approximately $150,000.   
 It's also noted that at later stages, startups have more predictable figures to go off of, and there tends to be less salary discrepancy.  
The average compensation at late stage startup ventures is estimated to be $150,000. For Series B, the average is approximately $99,083.  
Series B companies award an average a stock compensation average of $3,750. 
Series B company Buffer offers a "Salary Calculator" tool which allows for the calculation of salaries of various roles that account for cost of living in the area of hire. 
Pay bands vary quite a bit based on location. For example, the tool calculates a software engineer in an area with a low cost of living might earn $74,000, where one in a high cost of living city such as San Fransisco or New York might make $98,750.  
The tool also allows for calculation of pay rates based on level of seniority and for various other roles including product managers, CTO, and sales positions. 