[trueneverland]

I think doing a startup is risky for a lot of people in general. Comparing risk in the manner the OP did is poor. I think to succeed you have to have a certain level of risk tolerance. There are a lot more things to consider and compare than who risks more financially or in opportunity cost. Getting into a startup requires more commitment than that in my personal opinion.

Now if you're talking about risk appetite in doing things and jumping into a startup, then I'd agree risk is a factor worth taking note of.

[tptacek]

"Contribution" can actually be measured in terms of risk; the risk is the opportunity cost of the value of that contribution to any other business you had the option to be a part of.

Risk is more important than your writing seems to indicate. Equity isn't an achievement award.

[trueneverland]

I think you read my comment wrong then. I never undervalued risk in any way. I agree its one of the most important factors. But I think the type of risk is more important than what you lose out on as opposed to the other guy.