FYI: 37 signals is an LLC and pays out their profits at the end of each year. So Bezos is getting a check once a year (though obviously that's not why he invested).
Or perhaps better phrased, do you see dividends playing a role in angel/YC-like investment decisions anytime in the nearish-term?
This is a two way street, since investors have an incentive to push for swinging for the fences even when a bunt would be life changing for the founders. Consider a two man team who hits a million in sales, but seems to stall out (say, ran out of channel, but has good ongoing relationships with customers). Pivot and risk company to hit ten million, which would justify exit, or continue executing and make two families rich with little risk? Not hard to see dynamic.