Well, that depends on the individual situation. A micro-ISV could bring that number as low as a reasonable salary. A startup like 37Signals needs to have that n

Well, that depends on the individual situation. A micro-ISV could bring that number as low as a reasonable salary. A startup like 37Signals needs to have that number high enough to support a small number of employees. Of course, a VC backed firm counting on a grand exit needs a much greater reward. I think what Matt correctly points out though is that by limiting yourself to the VC option, you are only seeing 1/3 of the avenues available to you. These are limits for the VC, but they don't need to be limits for a founder.