The Investor Option Pool: Why Valuation Matters More Than Share Size
In our last piece, we looked at how the founder share of a company’s option pool shrinks as valuations rise — and what that actually means in dollar terms. This week, we’re looking at the investor option pool: what that growth actually means, and why the dynamics of the investor pool are fundamentally different from […]
The Option Pool Paradox: Why Higher Valuations Don’t Always Pay Off
We’re taking last week’s analysis one step further: what do those different option pool sizes actually mean in dollar terms? The short answer is that a higher valuation doesn’t automatically translate into a better outcome for founders. A smaller slice of a bigger pie can — and sometimes does — mean less money in your […]
Investment Firm Bonus Structure
Investment firm bonus structure varies widely across PE and VC firms — and understanding how bonuses are set is critical for attracting and retaining top talent. In case you missed our IF Data Drop last week, we’re expanding on how firms structure bonuses for their investment teams. The first major consideration is whether a bonus […]
“How big should our option pool be?”
Welcome back to the Thelander Digest. This month, we are digging into one of the most important elements for a startup: the option pool. Whether you’re setting one up for the first time, preparing for your next round of fundraising or rethinking your equity strategy as you scale, getting the option pool right has the long-term […]
How to Have the Compensation Conversation with Your Corporate Parent
CVC compensation is structurally different from corporate pay. Thelander outlines how CVC unit leaders can make the case to HR and corporate parents for competitive investment team compensation.
Carry Dollars at Work: What Every VC Needs to Know
What are carry dollars at work? Thelander data shows how carry dollars at work — the potential dollar value of carried interest at a 2x gross multiple — has shifted across firm sizes and levels since 2023.
AI Pay Premiums in 3 Charts: How To Compensate Top AI Talent
AI Pay Premiums for Software Engineers and Data Scientists: 2026 Data
Committing Capital For Your Carry: What Every VC Needs to Know
How much capital are GPs expected to commit for their carry? Thelander data shows VC fund commitment requirements are rising — see 2023–2025 benchmarks by partner level.
Committing Capital For Your Carry
Committing capital for your carried interest is one of the most important – and often least talked about – parts of a carry package. When investment professionals write a personal check into the fund, they are putting skin in the game. That capital committed is tied directly to the amount of carried interest they receive, […]
Salary Structures 101
Salary Structures 101: How to Build a Compensation Infrastructure for Your Startup