Figma founder Dylan Field is on the verge of becoming tech’s next billionaire, thanks to the design software company’s much-hyped Initial Public Offering (IPO). With sky-high demand for shares and an ambitious, Tesla-style compensation plan, Field’s fortune is set to explode. This isn’t just about a successful IPO; it’s a story of massive risk, massive reward, and a founder who could soon rival industry legends.
A Compensation Plan Inspired by Elon Musk
Dylan Field’s 2025 compensation package is not for the faint of heart. It’s a high-stakes bet on Figma’s long-term success, mirroring the structure that made Elon Musk one of the wealthiest people on the planet. The plan is designed to reward sustained growth, not short-term gains.
The package grants Field 14.5 million performance-based shares, but unlocking them is a major challenge. This structure ties his personal success directly to shareholder value over a long period. It’s a model that has been adopted by other major companies like DoorDash and Axon, proving to be incredibly lucrative when targets are met.
This “moonshot” plan has several key conditions attached to it:
- The shares are divided into seven parts, each triggered by a rising stock price target, starting at $60 and ending at $130.
- The stock must maintain a 60-day average price above each threshold to unlock the corresponding shares.
- The vesting schedule is spread out over seven years, ensuring Field is committed to long-term performance.
If all targets are hit, the plan could be worth a staggering $1.9 billion for Field, paid out gradually over the years.
Billions Before the IPO Bell Even Rings
Even without the performance-based plan, Dylan Field is already positioned as a billionaire. His existing holdings in Figma are massive, giving him both immense wealth and significant control over the company’s direction.
His 11% direct ownership stake is valued at approximately $1.6 billion, based on the low end of the IPO price range of $30 per share. On top of his personal shares, Field also holds voting rights for an additional 27 million shares belonging to co-founder Evan Wallace. This arrangement effectively gives him a commanding voice in Figma’s boardroom.
A separate grant from 2021 adds another layer to his fortune. Field is expected to vest 7.9 million service-based shares at the time of the IPO. These shares alone are valued at over $230 million, further cementing his place among the tech elite.
More Rewards Tied to Company Growth
Beyond stock price, Field has another path to an even greater fortune linked directly to Figma’s total market value. He stands to earn millions of additional shares if the company grows to specific valuation milestones after its IPO.
These awards become active as Figma’s market capitalization hits key targets. Bloomberg Intelligence analysts have projected that Figma’s valuation could land between $19.1 billion and $23.2 billion shortly after going public, making these goals highly achievable.
| Market Cap Target | Additional Shares Unlocked | Status |
|---|---|---|
| $15 Billion | Up to 11.25 million | Likely to be hit post-IPO |
| $20 Billion | (Part of the 11.25 million) | Within projection range |
| $25 Billion | (Part of the 11.25 million) | Potential future target |
Recent price increases for Figma’s software and strong revenue forecasts, which predict $1.6 billion annually by 2026, add fuel to this fire. This growth doesn’t just benefit the company; it directly accelerates Field’s potential earnings.
How a Failed Adobe Deal Paved a Richer Path
Interestingly, Dylan Field was close to securing a $2 billion net worth back in 2022. Adobe had agreed to acquire Figma for a massive $20 billion, a deal that would have instantly made him one of tech’s wealthiest founders.
However, the acquisition collapsed due to intense pressure from regulators. In a surprising twist of fate, the failed deal may end up making Field even richer. By taking Figma public himself, he retains greater control over the company’s destiny and stands to benefit more directly from its uncapped future growth. Now, instead of being part of a larger corporation, Field is leading a Wall Street darling that is redefining its industry on its own terms.
