It depends on how much you personally invest. If you cash out your 401k and empty your savings, and the business fails, then, you're out your 401k and saving

It depends on how much you personally invest. If you cash out your 401k and empty your savings, and the business fails, then, you're out your 401k and savings. If you go small, fast and cheap, you're alot more likely to fail sooner but fail cheaper as well. If you take money from others, there is a lot less financial risk for you, but less upside. If you can set up your financial life so you have less debt and expenses, then you have a lot less to lose.