They are in an industry that is somewhat recession proof, people and companies can not function without buying their product.
The base pay is less, but the promise of espp and stock grants would potentially double my take-home.
I'm still hesitant, obviously. My current employer is also pretty recession proof and has never had lay offs. If the pay and prestige were the same I'd stay here.
Let's consider worst-case scenario, you move to the new job, the entire economy goes tits up tomorrow, the company folds.
Would your old company consider rehiring you? Is what you do a relatively recession-proof job? Do you have savings?
Doubling take-home could be some serious coin after not long, so it probably is worth it.
I'd investigate the ESPP and grants and find out what you can, and perhaps assume that they're going to disappear or be reduced in the future (if the company is old enough, see what they did in the 2000s and the 08s).
Really try to understand how much debt your company has. Anyone not making money with high burn is going to be in serious trouble with current interest rates especially when loans expire/roll over