Wouldn't this scheme be akin to a ponzi one, in some way? This holds true for startups as well: foster interest in the company, launch it with some initial ine

Wouldn't this scheme be akin to a ponzi one, in some way? This holds true for startups as well: foster interest in the company, launch it with some initial inertia (VC funds), collect investors' (stock holders) money, and see the stock skyrocket. Little risk for everyone involved (but the buyers). Of course, that's only a pyramid scheme if the business isn't intended to turn profitable (VC firms do not care), and stock holders are placing a bet. But I wonder: if one were to look at the whole stock market, wouldn't it also look like a big pyramid scheme, if squinting a bit?