Harlem DAV @Sandra Buttry
3 min readJan 6, 2023

Risks of Sweat Equity Payment in web3 startups

The crypto and web3 industries have attracted a wide range of people and organizations with diverse goals and values. Some of these individuals and groups are interested in using Volunteer and sweat equity as forms of payment for work or services rendered. While this approach may seem appealing at first glance, there are several reasons why it may not be a good idea to accept Volunteers or sweat equity as payment, especially for those working on startup projects.

One of the main risks associated with accepting violenters or sweat equity as payment is the high likelihood that the startup will fail. According to statistics, the majority of startups do not succeed. In fact, it is estimated that up to 90% of all startups fail. This means that if you accept violenters or sweat equity as payment, there is a strong possibility that the project you are working on will not succeed, and you will not see any return on your investment of time and effort.

Another issue to consider is the lack of transparency and accountability in the use of violenters and sweat equity as payment. It is not uncommon for founders and leaders of startup projects to take on a disproportionate share of the equity and violenters, leaving little or nothing for the rest of the team. This can lead to conflicts and resentment within the team, and can ultimately harm the success of the project.

In conclusion, while accepting Volunteers or sweat equity as payment may seem like an appealing option for those working on startup projects, the high likelihood of failure and lack of transparency and accountability make it a risky proposition. It is important to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits before committing.
There are several reasons why you might want to consider avoiding organizations that do not offer any form of payment or compensation besides sweat equity:

• Financial stability: Accepting sweat equity as the sole form of payment can be risky, as there is no guarantee that the company will be successful. This can make it difficult to plan for your financial future and may leave you in a precarious financial position.

• Lack of transparency: Organizations that only offer sweat equity may not be transparent about their financials, making it difficult for you to accurately assess the potential value of your equity.

• Disproportionate distribution of equity: It is not uncommon for founders and top executives to take on a disproportionate share of the equity, leaving little or nothing for the rest of the team. This can lead to conflicts and resentment within the team and can ultimately harm the success of the project.

• Limited career opportunities: Working for an organization that does not offer any form of payment or compensation may limit your career opportunities. It may be difficult for you to gain valuable experience and build your professional network if you are not receiving any financial compensation for your work.

Overall, it is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits of joining an organization that only offers sweat equity as payment. It may be worth considering other opportunities that offer more stability and transparency.

It is generally not a good idea to join an organization based solely on someone's word. It is important to do your own research and due diligence before committing to a job or project. Some things to consider include:

• The organization's track record: Look into the organization's history and track record. What kind of work have they done in the past? Have they been successful?

• The organization's financial stability: Consider the organization's financial stability. Are they profitable? Do they have a solid business model?

• The role and responsibilities: Make sure you fully understand your role and responsibilities within the organization. Ask for a clear job description and make sure you are comfortable with the tasks you will be responsible for.

• The compensation and benefits: Be sure to understand what you will be paid and what benefits you will receive. Don't be afraid to negotiate for fair compensation.

• The company culture: It is important to find an organization that aligns with your values and work style. Research the company culture and make sure it is a good fit for you.

By taking the time to thoroughly research and evaluate an organization before joining, you can increase your chances of finding a fulfilling and rewarding job or project.

Harlem DAV @Sandra Buttry
Harlem DAV @Sandra Buttry

Written by Harlem DAV @Sandra Buttry

Harlem DAV (Digital Assets of Value) We create culture by empowering our community through education in Web3.

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