Sure, if startups want experienced people who know what they're doing can do that IF a) they're working on something truly amazing and not the next ad-tech comp

Sure, if startups want experienced people who know what they're doing can do that IF a) they're working on something truly amazing and not the next ad-tech company b) have to sort of leadership that clearly knows what they're doing and seem to be willing to share the fruits of success with those who contribute or c) are offering serious compensation and/or equity (and it's been a LONG time since I've seen a startup offering serious equity to early employees who would be taking a serious career risk to work there. Most startups just...aren't that special, aren't that well run, and aren't compensating people fairly. If your company is like that and you're going with the "work-life balance is over, we're HARDCORE" attitude, it's going to be a painful story for everyone involved.