[joenot443]

The most common endgame for a startup is slowly running into the ground until the money runs out and you eventually shut the doors. Failing your way into a happy acquisition isn’t really something to expect as a contingency, I don’t think.

[BeFlatXIII]

Then use those five years to enjoy the fanciest office equipment VC money can buy. Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.

[tmpz22]

The contingency isn't golden handcuffs its using one of the hundreds of C-level connections you made as a Founder doing sales and networking (and accelerator programs) to get you a cushy gig as a Product Lead, Operations Lead, or similar title with a strong paycheck and immediate authority.