I'm not sure why you're getting downvoted here. This is pretty much exactly what I've observed. There is really no downside to "failure" other than lost time an

I'm not sure why you're getting downvoted here. This is pretty much exactly what I've observed. There is really no downside to "failure" other than lost time and a few years of your life. And if you fail big, it'll probably get acquired. That said, you shouldn't take money unless you think there's a good shot at success. I've done a VC startup and the overall hassle, stress, and lost time made me want to take a job (a good one) in preference to most things that don't seem like sure bets at the start. My company failed because we never articulated a vision bold enough to raise serious VC. I'd probably be richer if I'd taken more risk but I'm not at all sure I'd be happier.