Because so few people make an actual long term commitment to what they're building, the ones that do have a huge advantage.

A related advantage of mission oriented ideas, is that you yourself will be dedicated to them.

Startups are not the best choice for work-life balance, and that's sort of just the sad reality.

The way you get deals done and the way you get good terms, is to have a competitive situation.

Some day everyone will find out everyone else's comp, if it's all over the place, it will be a complete meltdown disaster

It really is true that you become an average of the people you spend the most time with.

The second part of how to hire: try not to.