No longer being young myself, I can't speak from direct experience here-- but I can say that I was called in to help in the dismantling of a disastrous start-up

No longer being young myself, I can't speak from direct experience here-- but I can say that I was called in to help in the dismantling of a disastrous start-up founded by a young'un, and largely parent-funded. In this particular case, at least, there was an outrageously unrealistic business plan, and the parents were acting as blind angels-- performing none of the reality checks that normal funding sources would apply. I think the business would have been much more successful if the founder had gotten more constructive criticism along the way, and less cash to burn. So, where it is great if parents are supportive, I think there are many forms this support can come in, and some can be counter-productive.