It resembles academia. The company is very penny wise and pound foolish, toxic behaviors aren’t managed, the (5!) founders are basically dead weight, and hours

It resembles academia. The company is very penny wise and pound foolish, toxic behaviors aren’t managed, the (5!) founders are basically dead weight, and hours are expected to bleed into evenings and weekends. There’s an inversion of resources- the more work you have, the less you will be supported by the company. The people who flourish tend to have academic backgrounds and this perpetuates the cycle. Good luck to your friend!