[armchairhacker]

The startup game probably is a lot of stress for at best moderately-better rewards 99% of the time. I don’t doubt your friend is very smart and talented, but to get that level of success you basically need luck.

That’s not to say you can’t pursue a startup. But if you do, don’t hurt your life and burn yourself out, and recognize that the chance you’ll end up like your friend is very slim.

If you’re looking for money, i imagine that there are less risky ways to end up with a decent amount, though not several hundred million. But i don’t know, you’ll have to ask someone else. Also, recognize that money ≠ happiness, though being poor basically = unhappiness.