One overlooked factor in these numbers is that the founder now has more levers to pull. For example, they are paying $206k in payroll, and in an emergency situa

One overlooked factor in these numbers is that the founder now has more levers to pull. For example, they are paying $206k in payroll, and in an emergency situation, could let some staff go and take over those functions themselves. I've experienced the same thing with my bootstrapped startup; I'm not paying myself any more money than I did 3 years ago, but if I need money, I can double or triple my own salary within a month or two. The reason the founder isn't doing that now is likely exactly the same reason Uber or other VC startups consistently lose money; they are optimizing for growth, not profit/salary.