Not clear to me why someone would want to invest in high risk startups for a low-mid return.. there are much safer options that would give similar returns.
From my understanding, VC funds as an asset class don't perform that well. A few of them hit the jackpot, but if someone spreads their bets across a number of funds, I would be surprised if they beat the market. So keep that in mind when comparing returns.
Another thing to consider, is that focusing on the 'middle road' does not necessarily preclude a company from swinging for the fences, it merely sets the incentives such that getting to profitability sooner is advantageous. They do this by encouraging dividends as a form of compensation, but the company still has the option of going the VC route.
So if anything, I think this structure is the best of both worlds. If a company can take ~$100k in seed for ~10% in equity and turn that into a small business worth $10M, that is a 10x return. But if it looks like they are on to something bigger, they can raise another round and keep grinding.
Another thing to consider, is that focusing on the 'middle road' does not necessarily preclude a company from swinging for the fences, it merely sets the incentives such that getting to profitability sooner is advantageous. They do this by encouraging dividends as a form of compensation, but the company still has the option of going the VC route.
So if anything, I think this structure is the best of both worlds. If a company can take ~$100k in seed for ~10% in equity and turn that into a small business worth $10M, that is a 10x return. But if it looks like they are on to something bigger, they can raise another round and keep grinding.