I've said this before and I'll say it again. Never accept a lower salary in exchange for equity. Salary is your market rate for providing labor. Equity is what you get for taking on the risk of being out of a job sooner than later.

So with that in mind, if the equity and bonuses in BigTechCo are a sure deal, then it may be worth negotiating for more when you join a startup.

Don't sell yourself short.