It's clear that the author is first time founder. The article is disingenuous in that it talks about secondary availability, but the solution is longer exercise and shorter vesting? That wouldn't solve WeWork situation at all. Also, the risk of founders and employees is not comparable. A good analogy of the relationship is Landlord vs. Tenant. Founder burdens statutory obligations, is responsible with their personal belongings, has to lay the groundworks, and get the investors. Employee has to pass a job interview. If company fails, both lose a job, so that part is shared. First employees are sometimes special, but they are not founders. Musk was not even an employee and he became founder of Tesla.