Startups, for the most part, are funded by investors (the rich). Investing in Vanguard just has them put money into the top 500 companies instead of having to d

Startups, for the most part, are funded by investors (the rich). Investing in Vanguard just has them put money into the top 500 companies instead of having to do it yourself one by one, if you're talking about index funds. The other suggestions are good.