How ironic to read this question this evening. I'm 38. Right now I am finalising the documentation pack (16 documents in all!) to sell my second company. It's two-and-a-half years old. We sign the documents in 12 hours time. The company took no VC, but just a small amount of trade money. We're selling out to our largest customer because they made us an offer we couldn't refuse.

At 38 you are most certainly NOT too old to startup. At 38 your personal circumstances may mean that you cannot take the same level of risk that you could at 28 or 21. But if you are happy, healthy, and have a means of keeping a roof over your head and your dependents' head, then go for it.

The very very worst that could happen is that you could find yourself looking for a job in a few months time. But you'll be looking for that job with a bunch more experience, and credibility, than you would have without having tried to start something.

Best wishes to you. Enjoy it. And if your luck works out, you'll make a fortune. If your luck doesn't work out, you'll hold with you a great experience that you'll cherish forever.