I think some of it is artificial, but I think the types mentioned in the article[1] do confer real security. For someone without status, getting a top tier com

I think some of it is artificial, but I think the types mentioned in the article[1] do confer real security. For someone without status, getting a top tier company on their resume will make future job searches either. Making it into the inner ring of a company makes ones position more secure against for example layoffs. Neither of these are directly tied to money, rather I think many view it as a way to protect against running out of it. Obviously there are limits (ie governors running for president aren't doing it for additional security), but I think it is true for many. [1] "They begin by trying to get into a top-tier investment firm. Once they accomplish this, they find a hierarchy to navigate within the fund, then realize that the real inner ring in VC is occupied by the investors who land the hottest deals."