[anothertraveler]

I think the key point here is that - if a founder is raising money for a company from investors, and the founder simultaneously buys a mansion - the founder is implicitly communicating that s/he doesn't believe that investing that capital in the company is as valuable as a real-estate investment in the mansion.

Founders have a very specific job to investors: to return their money with a hefty return on investment. If the expected ROI is higher buying a mansion, then maybe the investors should invest in mansions rather than the tech start ups.

[smileysteve]

Investors also have a fairly specific job to founders and employees taking equity vs salary: allow enough needs to be met such that seeking employment elsewhere isn't a temptation/need.

A C suite (and often to developers and pos) position at a startup that has raised funding is likely to experience 1) offers at or above market rate in leadership positions 2) A professional network of people able to afford a certain comfort 3) a stressful or dismal looking event at work.

[anothertraveler]

Great points.