What is the line from The Social Network? "Its not cool to be a millionaire, its cool to be a billionaire" or something along those lines. I think a lot of people aren't happy with being just very wealthy I suppose.
I think the founders of those companies would be fine with the millionaire outcome, as it beats crashing and burning in pursuit of billions.
The problem is the VC mindset.
Greg: I'm good, anyway, cuz, uh, my, so, I was just talkin' to my mom, and she said, apparently, he'll leave me five million anyway, so I'm golden, baby.
Connor: You can't do anything with five, Greg. Five's a nightmare.
Greg: Is it?
Connor: Oh, yeah. Can't retire. Not worth it to work. Oh, yes, five will drive you un poco loco, my fine feathered friend.
Tom: The poorest rich person in America. The world's tallest dwarf.
Connor: The weakest strong man at the circus.
At a 5%/year withdrawal rate, that's $250K/year. That's absolutely livable. You won't live like a king, but that's a solid middle-class living in most suburbs outside the Bay area.