Cleared both technical rounds with positive feedback. The interviewers in the early rounds were professional and great to speak with. However, during the final discussion with the co-founder, the compensation that I had already shared and was told was acceptable at the start was suddenly considered “too much,” with unnecessary comments about lifestyle and cost of living. This should have been clarified upfront instead of after all rounds. Overall, it felt like a waste of time due to lack of transparency. Proceed only if you get compensation alignment in writing before interviewing.