At the same time, unless you're lucky enough to start with the backing of Y-Combinator or somesuch, there can be value to learning about the process while the m

At the same time, unless you're lucky enough to start with the backing of Y-Combinator or somesuch, there can be value to learning about the process while the money involved is someone else's and not your own. Edit: I realize this is a somewhat heretical idea around here, but the difference in stress when it's your life savings in the mix and your responsibility to make payroll is quite substantial, and being an early employee gives you a window into the process without having to push all your chips to the middle of the table on your first go around.