Total noob question on startup private equity

[Sotiria]

I don't even think "private equity" is the correct term, but here goes anyway:

Say I'm a part of a startup. I, along with a handful of other people are doing the grunt work to make this company take off. I believe that the company has a huge potential and believe in the vision that the principals are sharing. How do I go about "investing" in my own company so that as we become more profitable, my "shares" in the company gain value.

Again, not sure if my question makes sense, or if I'm even asking the "right" question but hopefully someone can steer me in the right direction. Currently there isn't any way to "invest" but I'd like to know what I can pitch to the owners.

Thanks.

[soko]

Play golf with the guys at the top and hope for upper management position come promotion time.

[stinkypete]

stock options should be standard for all employees involved in a startup

[stephenNUTS]

TWO initial questions:

Did you put up any monies in the start-up process ,or are you just an employee?

Are they looking to go public,or stay private?

[johndenver]

If you work for a startup and don't have stock options/equity you are getting played imo

unless of course they are paying you a fair market value wage + benifits, which most startups dont

go to your boss/management and negotiate a better deal