[bwoj]

The funding was in convertible notes which convert to equity in the next funding round. Presumably these agreements don't have any provisions for other exits.

[robocat]

In which case the investors have not been screwed because they are sophisticated enough to know the possible outcomes - that's just business.

I suspect the VC team would say "well played that man".

[Tehchops]

Do you really want to burn a bridge with a16z/AH in the tech industry?

They may say "well played" in so many words, in public. Privately? They may be marshaling their bottomless war chest to unmake you.

[robocat]

He openly states he has no trouble with interest from investors: https://www.toptal.com/investors

And I can't see why his existing investors wouldn't be interested - although they would perhaps take more care with the terms.

His ethics don't seem to be weird, compared against stories about some other founders.

I can't see why you make predictions about how he should act or how VCs would act (what's your expertise?)

[threezero]

That first link about investor interest is entirely his word, which is worthless according to his former employees.

[Tehchops]

If read/listen to MA or BH at any length, they heavily emphasize the value of relationships and a network.

This behavior seems absolutely anathema to their stated ideals.