Ask HN: How much did John Carmack make?

5 points·malanj··5 comments

John joined Oculus Rift in August last year in what seems to have been a very smart financial move. Does anyone know how much equity he had in the company?

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Oculus Rift hasn't disclosed how much ownership was transfered in its Series A and Series B funding [1]. Also Carmac's Salary, and possible investment isn't disclosed [2]. John Carmac is estimated to be worth ~4 million [3], source seem to agree.

His salary wasn't disclosed, but with 75million being spent in Series B funding it seems unlikely he was a major investor. Any equity he had was likely given partially as compensation for his position.

</pure speculation>

[1] http://www.oculusvr.com/press/oculus-vr-raises-75m-in-series...

[2] http://www.oculusvr.com/press/john-carmack-joins-oculus-vr-a...

[3] http://ewallstreeter.com/john-d-carmack-net-worth-2158/

I would think that as CTO he would have at least 1% equity [1]. If that's the case then he has increased his net worth by about $20m.

[1] http://www.askthevc.com/wp/archives/2007/06/what-are-typical...

"Compensation for positions." Was meant to imply, signing bonus and stock options. Which would include stock options.

To jump on the pure speculation band wagon, I've herd from 1-5% for CTO's after 8 digit VC investments. Jason Roberts (Co-host of techzing) once said he was offered >1% <10% (but more towards the low side) equity for a CTO position after series A funding in Uber.

Except it will most likely vest over a period of a few years as opposed to getting the full 1% upfront. I don't think he will be able to quit his job now and walk away with the cash - he will most likely need to remain employed at FB until it all vests.

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