Hi everyone,

I’m looking for advice comparing two offers and would really appreciate inputs from folks who’ve worked at Big Tech / startups.

Background

Experience: ~1.5 years (Backend) - Tier 1

Current compensation:
36 LPA = (29 fixed + 4 Perf Bonus + 3 Retention bonus)

Offer 1: Microsoft

Role: Software Engineer (IC2) - L60
Location: Noida
Base: ₹22.5 LPA
Signing Bonus: ₹7.9 L (one-time)
Bonus: Up to 20%
Equity: $60,000 RSUs (vested over 4 years)

Offer 2: YC Startup - (~500 employees - 50+ engineering)

Role: Software Engineer II
Location: Bengaluru
CTC: ₹38 LPA
Bonus: ₹2 L performance bonus
ESOPs: 20 LPA (vested over 4 years)

Location-wise I would Prefer Bengaluru over Noida.

Given my current comp and experience level, which offer would you choose and why?

Thanks in advance!