A startup doesn't have to be IPO-able to be viable. It doesn't have to need VC to be viable. Working to show a large employer that you're worth a large "sign-up

A startup doesn't have to be IPO-able to be viable. It doesn't have to need VC to be viable. Working to show a large employer that you're worth a large "sign-up bonus" is a perfectly valid reason to start a startup. Starting startups is more about mindset and lifestyle choice than about the current project being monetizeable.