If technology startups were founded more on business principles and less on hot air, tech hand-waving, and "the Facebook of X", then this probably wouldn't be so much of an issue.

Speaking as someone who got a home computer at eight, back when it was still extremely uncommon, and who never stopped programming, I actually think we vastly overvalue this whole "you have to have been hacking since age 13" angle. There are so many other elements that go into actually delivering solid product that I just don't think we can point to that as the issue to focus on.

This is a symptom of a problem, not a qualification of proficiency.