Why now, why is this the perfect time for this particular idea, and to start this particular company?
Be suspicious of any work that is not building product or getting customers.
If you compromise and hire someone mediocre you will always regret it.
Growth solves (nearly) all problems
Founders are usually very stingy with equity to employees and very generous with equity to investors. I think this is totally backwards.
By the way, that's my number one piece of advice if you're going to join a startup: pick a rocket ship.