I agree, going after a professorship after getting a PhD is unlikely to cause you personal bankruptcy but creating a start-up might. Also, if your product is s

I agree, going after a professorship after getting a PhD is unlikely to cause you personal bankruptcy but creating a start-up might. Also, if your product is similar to another you may get caught in costly legal battles but this is unlikely to occur as a scientist. It will most likely "just" tarnish your reputation. While the monetary rewards of creating a successful company exceeds a good academic career it is, as the author points out, high risk. I wouldn't call a high risk gamble that has possibly detrimental long-lasting effects over your life and your co-founders life "sensible". I'd call it a gamble, as that is what it is.