VCs feel the need to constantly remind us that working at a startup is worth our time as a means to fuel the startup workforce. I understand that he was simply sharing an anecdote, but I found the conclusions and headline misleading even verging on dishonest. I've worked at an early stage bay area startup -- hiring progressively got harder and harder because candidates were becoming more aware of the career risks involved and the perks they'd be missing out on at big companies. In almost every case, you're working far more for less with very little structure -- if that's your cup of tea and have an obsession for the product, then go for it. If you're hoping to make $200 million, don't bother.