But that does not take into account VC-powered startups, like Uber, which never turned profit in their history, so that 500k-1M compensations for ICs are direct

But that does not take into account VC-powered startups, like Uber, which never turned profit in their history, so that 500k-1M compensations for ICs are directly financed by VC money, which is unsustainable. I think that's what GP meant: the "superpower" to raise VC money is waning, and Sillicon Valey unicorns need to start operating like any other company, hence the layoffs.