[jrochkind1]

> It’s flattering to receive a direct message from a co-founder, it also gives the impression of commitment from the very roots of the company.

Really? Most people don't realize that the email can be configured to appear to be from anyone and the co-founder was not actually personally involved in sending it to you? Or is the suggestion it has a psychological effect despite knowing it's kind of artificial? Could be. Always just strikes me as kind of fake and manipulative, but i may not be typical.

Now, if I replied, and got a personalized response from the co-founder, that might see like flattering commitment. Until/unless I found out it wasn't from the cofounder at all , just someone signing their name.