I'm working with a company in this space, so here's my responses: 1. It's very rewarding to feel like you're doing civic duty. I think we have a real shot at r

I'm working with a company in this space, so here's my responses: 1. It's very rewarding to feel like you're doing civic duty. I think we have a real shot at reforming the way government percieves what's possible in government contracting. Healthcare.gov is very rewarding to work on, because even though I'm super apolitical, I'd like to see people inside the government see that an order of magnitude cost reduction is possible, and people outside the government see that the government can produce good software. Healthcare.gov anonymous shopper is a go and postgres app that has served >250mil visits. How is it not rewarding to serve that many people in getting their health care? 2. I've had my lottery tickets at other companies, I'm not worried about getting mine in an IPO any more. I never was part of a good exit. 3. Some of this is true, and some is not. Yes, you're not in total control of the product, because you're working with gov agencies. However, there's plenty of latitude to implement good user-focused software, especially when you're small and nimble. 4. Just like there's a huge potential for your IPO lottery ticket to fail. No different. 5. Just like some component of your startup will have to become good at the "VC schmoozing game".