> So if (as in PG's hypothetical) the developer is worth $80k at a big company, how much would you estimate them to be worth at a company of only 4 people that

> So if (as in PG's hypothetical) the developer is worth $80k at a big company, how much would you estimate them to be worth at a company of only 4 people that has a good idea and funding? My point is that a 4-person company with a good idea and funding doesn't usually remain a 4-person company. Sure, they could be churning out good code at an amazing rate, but is transient state - in order to make money at the levels that the VC-class demands, pointy-haired bosses will be required, and they come with structure, meetings, emails, templates, and other administrata rituals. edit: I think this is proof enough that VCs don't optimize for individual productivity - nobody who likes having more money does.