Startup hiring isn’t just about the pitch, it’s about the package — Pulley, 645 Ventures, and Epigram Legal break it down at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

The lifeblood of startups hinges on their initial hires. In a competitive landscape where top-tier talent has a wealth of options—along with enticing stock choices—it's crucial to present more than just casual perks like ping-pong tables and slick presentations to attract the right candidates. At the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, scheduled for October 27-29 at San Francisco's Moscone West, a distinguished panel will delve into the essential conversation surrounding compensation and equity. This is a must-see for anyone involved in scaling businesses, as these experts share invaluable insights drawn from their extensive experiences. Randi Jakubowitz, who leads Operations and Talent at 645 Ventures, understands the intricacies of team growth from the inside out. With a background as an early HR hire at Seamless, she played a key role during its merger with Grubhub and its subsequent IPO, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges of recruiting and retaining talent under pressure. Joining her is Rebecca Lee Whiting, the founder of Epigram Legal, who serves as fractional general counsel for innovative AI and biotech startups. Renowned for simplifying complex legal matters, she provides guidance on equity structuring and employee retention strategies. Her previous experience clerking for the Ninth Circuit adds a layer of credibility to her insights. Yin Wu, founder and CEO of Pulley—an equity management platform backed by Y Combinator and currently assisting over 5,000 companies with their capitalization tables—rounds out this expert panel. Having previously launched and sold Echo to Microsoft, Wu has a proven track record in the startup ecosystem. She is well-equipped to discuss what constitutes an attractive equity package and how to convey its worth to employees. This session promises to address critical questions that every founder faces: What is the right compensation for early hires? How can startups remain competitive with larger tech firms without exhausting their financial resources? What strategies can be employed to structure equity in a way that encourages long-term commitment from employees? Don't miss this opportunity to glean insights that could shape the future of your startup. Mark your calendars for October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, as part of TechCrunch Disrupt's milestone anniversary. Stay tuned for specific session times and make sure to register early to take advantage of savings up to $675 before prices increase.