If you're good enough at building things and selling yourself to successfully start a startup, you're also good enough to get a high-paying job. Easily 2x or 3x the median salary for your area.
Do that, and then live a median lifestyle. You can save a year's living expenses every year you're working. In five years you can have a five year runway.
"Do that, and then live a median lifestyle. You can save a year's living expenses every year you're working. In five years you can have a five year runway."
This assumes a median lifestyle is sustainable, and ignores the progressive nature of income tax. At 3x you can probably still do as you say. At 2x you strictly can't unless the median lifestyle includes some savings - the second 1x is taxed more than the first 1x.
Two or three times the median salary? That just seems false. I'd love for you to prove me wrong though.
For example, the median salary for a mid level front-end developer in my area is $81k. If you can find someone (anywhere) making $160,000 - $243,000 at the same position please have them send me an email.
Yes, I meant median salary of all people living in the area. Not of developers.
For example, here in Boston median salary is $58,000. Developers can readily get $116,000, and I know many who have exceeded $174,000, at least when taking into account bonuses, RSUs, etc.
My point is that plenty of people obviously afford to live near you while making only median salary. If you live the same lifestyle as them, you have a huge ability to save money.
Do that, and then live a median lifestyle. You can save a year's living expenses every year you're working. In five years you can have a five year runway.