I think a better framing would be: Want to found a company? Work at one first. Every startup is different. A bootstrapped startup that has to be cashflow posit

I think a better framing would be: Want to found a company? Work at one first. Every startup is different. A bootstrapped startup that has to be cashflow positive from day one is different than one built on an initial investment. Having work experience also means you can better understand if a startup model is actually appropriate for what you're trying to build. Startups in the sense that VCs use the term are high risk high reward and optimize growth for a high ROI exit. This is great if you want to take the gamble for a chance to retire at 35, not so great if you just want a fulfilling work life or can't afford to loose. The quickest way to tank a startup is to run out of money, yours or your investors'. I guess if you want to optimize for outcomes, the best advice would simply be: Want to found a startup? Be wealthy. But that doesn't make for a good blog post.