[mjn]

Re: the first paragraph, I think that's often true comparing people in their 20s vs 40s, but many people in their 50s and 60s (especially in engineering) have considerably more financial freedom than those in their 20s. They have somewhat more obligations, but many more resources. With a paid-off house, kids through college, paid-off cars, well-funded 401(k), 30 years of savings from a six-figure engineering job, etc., they have an ability to self-fund that most 25-year-olds don't (and often, a stronger network).

I think there might be more conservatism in that someone who's had a successful 35-year career as an engineer and is used to a regular six-figure income may not be particularly inclined to quit his or her job now and start something else. But I think in terms of resources they're often actually less tied down than a 25-year-old who has no savings cushion and has to pay rent— even if the 25-year-old didn't have student debt.

[matteotom]

You have a good point, but I don't think it really stands up. By the time somebody's 50 or 60, they are looking toward retirement, not trying to start the next huge product.

I look at my dad as an example. He's not an engineer, but he makes a 6 figure salary. Once his last kid is out of the house, he'll be 60. Even looking at him now, at 50, I don't think he has the energy to take the risk and start a company. While there may be a few 50-60 year olds with everything needed to start something else, I think the norm goes in the exact opposite direction.