You can work your way into an existing team and be adopted as a full-status co-founder—if you’re prepared to pay with sweat, and lots of it. Or you can buy your

You can work your way into an existing team and be adopted as a full-status co-founder—if you’re prepared to pay with sweat, and lots of it. Or you can buy your way into a startup by putting hard cash on the table. Either option is a viable way to contribute value. Trying to sell your “network and experience” without putting your money where your mouth is, though, won’t do. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.