9
Worked with a startup for 3+ years, now they’re ghosting me on the ESOPs they promised
r/Entrepreneur
7/12/2025
Content Summary
The author worked unpaid for over three years at a startup in exchange for promised ESOPs. After a company restructuring midway, founders repeatedly delayed updating equity documentation. Now that the vesting period is complete, the startup has ghosted the author. Despite lacking signed agreements, the author seeks accountability and legal advice to prevent similar exploitation. Commenters overwhelmingly recommend consulting lawyers and gathering evidence, noting that verbal agreements and work contributions may still hold legal weight.
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream Opinion:
- Overwhelming consensus that verbal agreements + documented work contributions create legal grounds for action
- Strong recommendation to consult employment/startup lawyers immediately
- Emphasis on gathering all evidence (emails, messages, IP contributions)
Controversial Aspects:
- No significant conflicts; all comments support the author
- Minor variation in suggested legal approaches (copyright claims vs labor law violations)
Key Perspectives:
- Legal Action Focus: Most argue for pursuing back pay or equity through legal channels (u/rhsanborn, u/Madismas)
- IP Leverage: Several note unlicensed use of author's work products strengthens the case (u/ramizwebti, u/PsychologicalArm6190)
- Pragmatic Acceptance: Some suggest cutting losses given startup instability (u/tippyd)
- Preventive Warning: Urge public sharing to deter future exploitation (u/Mujtaba_17)
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| No SaaS tools mentioned | N/A | N/A | N/A |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Unfulfilled promises of equity compensation (ESOPs)
- Ghosting by startup after vesting period completion
- Lack of legal documentation despite repeated requests
- Exploitation of unpaid labor under false pretenses
Problems to Solve:
- Holding founders accountable for broken promises
- Recovering compensation for unpaid work
- Preventing similar exploitation of others
- Establishing legal recourse for verbal agreements
Potential Solutions:
- Consulting a lawyer specializing in startup/employment law
- Gathering evidence (emails, messages, work products)
- Pursuing legal action for back pay or equity enforcement
- Publicly sharing experiences to warn others
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- No SaaS growth strategies discussed
Marketing & Acquisition:
- No marketing methods mentioned
Monetization & Product:
- No pricing or feature insights
User Engagement:
- No engagement techniques described