[Xcelerate]

An important point that I think is missing is that solving small, "useless" problems is a good way to get enough money to start solving big, "impactful" problems. Elon Musk didn't just start SpaceX out of the blue; he used his profits from Zip2 and PayPal to fund his more grandiose ideas.

[floatrock]

I don't disagree. A while back I met a founder of a respectively successful startup who was pulling an Elon and was saying he hopes to cash out so he can follow his true passion and start a space rocket engine company that will provide infrastructure for the beyond-satellite-orbit space journeys.

I think the problem is this guy is the only person I've met who describes his current venture as a stepping stone towards a grander vision. Most people just see the dollar signs right in front of them.