[PragmaticPulp]

At a startup, a design system shouldn't require so much effort that it requires executive sponsorship. Ideally, the team would start with an existing design system and tweak it to match their target look.

For startups specifically, I suggest getting buy-in on the first few sets of UI screens first. Second, extract common elements into the design system to use as a guide for subsequent designs.

Focusing too much on the design system before the look and feel of the main app screens has been settled is a waste of time. People look at screens, not design elements.