[peteey]

It doesn't seem correct at all. Money is very much a factor.

To prove,

How many people here would show up tomorrow if their company stopped paying them?

How many people would join a startup for less pay without any stock offers?

I suspect the answer to both will be equal to the number polled.

[alecbenzer]

Not sure I understand the point you're trying to make...

Money is a factor but it's not the thing that should draw you to a startup -- expected money is better at Big Tech. A startup is the right choice only once you start to consider non-money factors.