Billionaire Dylan Taylor Advises Gen Z to Seek Equity Over Salary

Dylan Taylor, founder of space-tech company Voyager Technologies and a billionaire, advises Generation Z to prioritize acquiring equity in companies over negotiating for higher salaries. Taylor, who achieved millionaire status at 27, five years before Warren Buffett, believes that while income is important, equity offers greater potential for wealth accumulation over time. He shared this perspective in an interview with Fortune, emphasizing that "it's very difficult to make a lot of money working for somebody." Taylor advocates for employees to push for more equity and less income in their compensation packages, a strategy he employed early in his career.

Taylor's own financial success stems from a combination of running public companies in electronics, finance, and banking, alongside strategic investments in real estate and various startups. His portfolio includes investments in companies such as Robinhood, Relativity Space, and Calm. His billionaire status was verified by Fortune through a review of his financial records, bolstered by returns from his early investments and the initial public offering (IPO) of Voyager Technologies.

The billionaire's advice extends beyond founders and executives; he suggests that even entry-level employees, a few years into their careers, can effectively negotiate for equity instead of a salary increase. Taylor posits that such a request demonstrates a strong commitment to the company's success and would likely impress employers. He suggests that an employee asking to "make less money, but I want more of the value we create together" signals a deep investment in the company's growth and shared prosperity. This approach, according to Taylor, highlights a forward-thinking mindset focused on long-term value creation rather than immediate financial gain.

Taylor's philosophy centers on the compounding effect of equity ownership. By securing a stake in the company's future success, individuals can benefit from its growth and profitability in ways that a fixed salary cannot match. This strategy is particularly relevant in today's economic landscape, where entrepreneurial ventures and innovative companies offer significant upside potential for early stakeholders. His own journey from a young millionaire to a billionaire underscores the power of this long-term wealth-building strategy, encouraging a shift in negotiation priorities for aspiring professionals.