[jsatok]

Agreed, and chances are that you won't create a $10M company on your own. Include a reasonable ESOP, a chunk for investors, etc., you're at a lot less than $10M.

Also, building a $10M startup isn't exactly guaranteed. When you factor in the future value, expected exit, dilution and the risk, I think it'll work out to a lot less than $1000/hour. But I don't think that's such a bad thing. I'd bet if you talk to most founders, they'd tell you that they didn't start their company with a big number in their head - they started it because of passion, drive and the desire to make a difference. $1000/hour consulting doesn't equal that sort of lifestyle.