As a startup founder myself, I wish I had the luxury of paying myself a modest salary, but until the revenues support it that is how it goes. Even if I had a bunch of VC money, I would definitely feel guilty about paying myself a ton of money. I would still have a huge chunk of founder's stock, so I would pay myself well below market rates.
If I were an outside investor in my startup, I would demand this. If a founder was living high off my dime I would be very worried that they would cut and run the moment the gravy train dried up. Startups run better when all the players have significant 'skin in the game'.
If I were an outside investor in my startup, I would demand this. If a founder was living high off my dime I would be very worried that they would cut and run the moment the gravy train dried up. Startups run better when all the players have significant 'skin in the game'.