>But by then, the startup has already won. They already got the funding thanks to their sleazy marketing, and the social validation/connections that comes with

>But by then, the startup has already won. They already got the funding thanks to their sleazy marketing, and the social validation/connections that comes with it. Only if getting seed money and failing in 18 months is their idea of winning. I have a hard time seeing how this is an ideal outcome in either the short or long term for anyone.