[jasonjackson]

I think this is particularly true if you want to ever become CEO or VP of a much larger company. How else do you prove you're fit to lead a company or division except by a start-up betting it's future on you. I don't know what the stats are but I've seen a lot of higher ups come from start-ups (in particular acquisitions) as oppose to people slowly getting promoted and climbing the corporate ladder.

[warmwaffles]

It's politics and hustling that get you to those positions. You aren't going to be simply granted VP or CEO or lead in a division simply because you participated in a start up for so long. Results will get you there along with some serious hustling.