Source: Fortune
Summary
Dylan Taylor, a billionaire founder of Voyager Technologies, advises Gen Z to negotiate for equity rather than salary when starting their careers. He argues that equity, not income, compounds over time. Taylor, who became a millionaire at 27, says even entry-level workers can ask for equity, and most employers would welcome the request. He also promotes a barbell investing strategy, with 70% in safe assets and 30% in high-risk investments like Bitcoin. Other young investors, like Martin Mignot and Ramit Sethi, echo similar advice, emphasizing the importance of early equity and long-term investing.
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The numbers tell one story.
Taylor became a millionaire at 27, before Warren Buffett. He says equity beats salary. He advises Gen Z to ask for equity, not a raise. Employers may welcome the request. He also promotes a risky investment strategy.
Equity, not income, compounds over time.
Author: Evan Null
How entry-level workers can ask for equity instead of a raise
Taylor’s advice isn’t just for founders or executives. He says even a 24-year-old can ask for equity. Most bosses would be impressed. It shows serious investment in the company. Employers may not approve, but it’s still useful information.
Managers may not have authority, but they can pass the request up. Equity only pays on success. Not every industry allows it, but tech companies do. Even if the answer is no, it reframes the employee in the boss’s mind.
It shows focus on creating value. It’s good signaling. Taylor’s advice is bold, but it’s not for everyone. Some industries won’t budge. But for tech, it’s a viable path.
He also suggests a barbell strategy. 70% in safe assets, 30% in risky ones. It seems crazy, but it works. It’s a way to balance safety and growth.
It’s a way to build wealth over time. It’s not about quick wins. It’s about long-term gains. It’s a strategy for those who want to grow their money.
He’s not alone: Martin Mignot and Ramit Sethi became millionaires before turning 30 thanks to early investments
Taylor isn’t the only self-made millionaire telling Gen Z to chase equity over income. Martin Mignot, the first investor in Deliveroo, became a millionaire before 30. He invested in Europe’s top startups, including Revolut and Trainline. By his late 20s, he was a notable investor and had made his first millions.
He’s now a partner at Index Ventures. His advice is the same as Taylor’s: owning equity is key. He says joining a startup early, even as employee 100 or 200, can make a lot of money. It’s about being in the right place at the right time.
For those without stock options, Ramit Sethi, Netflix’s finance guru, recommends automating investments into low-cost index funds. He says timing the market is for suckers. Let it grow over time. It’s a simple, long-term strategy.
He emphasizes the power of time. Starting early, even with small amounts, can lead to big gains. It’s about consistency and patience. It’s a way to build wealth without taking big risks.
It’s a different approach, but it works. It’s about making smart choices and staying the course. It’s a way to grow wealth over time, not just for the wealthy.
