I also work at a startup. I have for much of my career. I said in my OP that my view is that the startups themselves should be bailed out, saving jobs like yo

I also work at a startup. I have for much of my career. I said in my OP that my view is that the startups themselves should be bailed out, saving jobs like yours and mine. The VCs should then forfeit their shares to the US govt, to be sold later, to offset the costs of the bailout.