OpenAI has allocated a stock grant pool worth 10% of the company, valued at $500 billion in October. The company has already issued $80 billion in equity, totaling about 26% of its ownership. It is also exploring fundraising at a new valuation of approximately $750 billion.

This article breaks down the common misconceptions around startup revenue terms like bookings, revenue, and ARR. It highlights how companies manipulate these numbers to inflate valuations, which can mislead potential employees about the value of their equity. Key questions are provided to help early employees assess the true financial health of a startup before joining.