I trust you are smart enough to be well aware of the kind of bias you are bringing to the table with this judgement, in addition to some plain inaccuracies (actual startups - not AirBnB years deep into its lifecycle where the equity being doled out is not going to make you rich in an exit) regarding compensation vs giants like any FAANG.

I am glad you are excited about working at startups. There are a lot of people on here with a LOT of working experience who have seen this game play out over and over and are not dazzled by a handful of giants making it out anymore.

Yes, it’s probably better odds than the literal lottery. That does not say a lot. Anyhow, I’m happy you’re excited and am not going to convince you - clearly. Enjoy your weekend dude.