[USNetizen]

Actually, the answer is most commonly yes, and more so than someone in their 20's that is burdened with student debt and no experience or industry contacts. Mid-30's people have savings, assets, credit history and other funds. Plus, they potentially have a spouse to cover expenses while the startup grows. That is the best kind of investment in terms of supporting a new business.

The stats don't lie - the average founder is late 30's to early 40's. The 20-something wunderkind is a Silicon Valley thing, not reality for the rest of the country's businesses.

[wooyi]

My answer was based on anecdotal evidence. Yes, having a supportive a spouse is key and a win for a mid 30s professional. I started my first business in my mid 30s so my peers are in this group.

From that perspective, the average founder is definitely not late 30s to early 40s. Maybe I'm hanging out with the wrong crowd... :-)