I think it depends on the reason for the startup and how close to success you got. I have friends who started a startup, got VC money, and ultimately shut it d

I think it depends on the reason for the startup and how close to success you got. I have friends who started a startup, got VC money, and ultimately shut it down after 2-3 years. They didn't have any issue getting another job as they had a product to show and they worked with a standard team. It was essentially a 'business that failed' and they were able to show the successes they did have (fundraising/launching/hiring/etc). I have friends who tried consulting/solo startup and gave up after a year of no traction. They had a harder time getting a job afterwards because people felt they were just going to leave after they got another idea for a startup. "Less likely to put up with work politics" or they felt they "just took a year off" because they didn't have much to show for it. I've started startups/businesses as side projects and I've found that it has only helped me. Most people are curious about them, gives me something to talk about, and I get to discuss pain points and things I've learned. But, they don't see it as a threat as I present it as a way to "learn" and keep my skills up to date.