I always view the PM as a mini-CEO.

Rather than evangelizing the product in the community to gain funding with investors, it's about acquiring the resources and good will within the company. You still need all the skills to not necessarily create the product but rather know what it takes.

That being said, it's very safe. It's entrepreneurial just short of being an entrepreneur. I'd like to think it's the best position to gain experience for starting your own venture without actually developing/designing the product.