[krelian]

>public company

Why does it have to be a public company though?

[steveklabnik]

It is either that or acquisition, and we would prefer an IPO.

[GoatInGrey]

Speaking from the experience of 8 acquisitions/IPOs, your compensation structure will not survive public ownership. It could survive a PE acquisition, but definitely not public ownership (in my experience). I would recommend petitioning for a dual-class share structure to protect founding leadership.

[bcantrill]

Because VCs need to have a way to sell their shares within the (limited) lifetime of their fund.