How startup founders get paid?

[xfurrier]

With some money from friend and family, we're hoping to get 6-ish month runway. More we find, the longer the runway. The less we spend, the longer the runway.

Part of the raised money will go towards our (modest) living expenses. What are our options to get paid?

An obvious choice would be the full employment - the company would be/feel/look more professional, the employees would benefit from NI contributions, pensions, etc. However, this would put additional burden onto the company. The cost to the company is (I think) around 120% of the salary. And, this has impact on the runway.

Somebody suggested that we could provide consultancy, which would remove our personal benefits, but would keep the company running for a bit longer.

 

[Scalloway]

If you are directors you can only work for the company on PAYE.

 

[fisicx]

If you are getting paid then tax and NI are part of the calculations.

If they are gifting you the money there a limits on the size of the gift.