This is mentioned in the analytical material from Kruze.
The collected data on more than 450 startups has enabled the creation of a "CEO Salary Calculator," which assesses compensation based on the startup's stage, funding amount, and industry. This tool is beneficial not only for CEOs but also for other founders to evaluate potential salaries.
Next, we will examine the salaries of startup CEOs on an annual basis.
Annual Changes in Compensation
In 2024, the average CEO salary decreased by 0.7% due to a challenging funding market. This is particularly true for Series B startups, where compensation fell by 9.6% to maintain the financial stability of companies. At the same time, salaries increased at earlier stages (seed and Series A).
The median salary for CEOs rose by 1.4%, reaching $147,000. In 2024, there were fewer CEOs earning under $100,000 or over $250,000, indicating a leveling off of salaries in the sector.
CEO Incomes for Startups at Different Stages of Funding:
- Seed: In 2024, salaries increased by 2.3% to $132,000. This reflects favorable conditions for early-stage startups, despite an overall decrease in the number of seed rounds.
- Series A: In 2024, salaries rose by 6.5% to $179,000. This indicates the success of startups that have achieved significant results in securing funding.
- Series B: Salaries decreased by 9.6% to $227,000, demonstrating a cautious approach to spending.