How Do I Ask for Stock Options/Shares in the Startup Company I Work In?

“Mr. Kim,

I truly appreciate the opportunity to work with your company.  After being here for a year and a half, I have come to really believe in the product and the vision that you have set aside for us.  I am even more thankful that I am able to be part of this exact company, because of where I believe we are going.

Over the time I have been here, I hope you were able to see me as a major contributing factor to the company.  I have worked hard and as each day goes by, my belief in what we are doing grows.  I am fully committed to this company and I will do everything in my power to help us become successful.  Want me to work beyond my regular work shift?  Without any hesitation, it’s done.  All I truly want to see is this company becoming as successful as possible.

With that said Mr. Kim, I hope over the duration of my time here, that you have been able to not only see, but have tested my loyalty as well.  I will not sway away, as I am fully committed to our cause.  I wanted to ask if there was any possible way that we can have discussions in regards to how I can gain an equity stake with the company.  Since I am here for good, I wouldn’t mind working on an equity schedule that vests over any amount of years.  I will even consider a pay cut to own a portion of this amazing company.

My loyalty to you and the company is strong.  I will be here until the very end, whether the company succeeds or even if it falls to the ground.  If God forbid that happens, I will do everything in my power to stay with the ship trying to turn around our undesired fate, even if it takes the life out of me.  But I promise you this, if we come to that point, you will never see me miss work for even the slightest moment.  I will stand up and fight, coming up with any possible solution to overcome all odds.

I respect you and look up to you.  I believe in what we’re doing.  If there is any way possible that I can even own the smallest portion of this company, I will be forever in your debt.  If we can take this discussion further, I would love to hear back from you so we can go over what other responsibilities you will come to expect from me.

Yours Respectfully,

Leonard Kim”

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Originally posted on Quora.

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