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0 pointslandryraccoon9y ago0 comments

> founders still got paid a salary

Founders get paid a salary? That hasn't always been true in my experience.

> Founders took no more risk than the first employees.

If it's actually that easy you should go be a startup founder. After all, there's no risk, right?

0 comments

pikzen9y ago

Let's be honest: people who found startups fall in three categories:

* Those who have funds to fall back on in case the startup fails

* Those who got VC funding

* Those who are actually risking things because they invested everything in their startup

I'd wager the first two categories make up 90% of startup founders. These people take absolutely zero risks. Whoop, startup fails. Oh well, it was either not your money or you've still got a comfortable amount to sit on.

Thsoe last 10 percent, yes, they do take risks. Don't expect me to cry for the others.

mpbm9y ago

This word "risk." I do not think it means what you think it means.

Just because someone has lots of money (their own or a VC's) doesn't mean they aren't risking that money when they put it into a startup. The money is at risk because it probably WON'T be returned, let alone increased.

I think what you're conflating with risk is actually diversification. You're only willing to cry for the people who are "all in" on a single investment. Arguably, being diversified is the sensible thing to do and it's the idiots who don't make sensible choices who you shouldn't cry for.

hyperliner9y ago

So, if they have "funds to fall back under" isn't that a risk?

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