A startup where friends hire friends is normal. Because startup's founder is risking his money (well, and investor's but that doesn't change much as the money i

A startup where friends hire friends is normal. Because startup's founder is risking his money (well, and investor's but that doesn't change much as the money is given to him as the founder). A middle manager hiring only among friends is more problematic because it's not their money that will be paid, but the company's money - so there's a conflict of interest in play.