Isn't this article implying that it's awfully hard to find success in the VC model as well? With the traditional funding model, you're either an AirBnB, DropBox, or someone who ultimately isn't going to make much of a lot of money at all. If you're lucky, you'll come out of it with something that maybe makes up for the blood and sweat equity you put into the company for little or no pay.
Ultimately, I'd agree that successfully getting a 37 signals, Balsamiq, or Fog Creek off the ground is difficult, but compared to the VC model of "DropBox or bust", it seems like a much more attainable goal.
I think the main lesson is that there's really no free lunch in the startup world - we've all heard it a hundred times before, but there's no silver bullet that guarantees success, or even a decent chance at success in this business. It's not quite the lottery, but a 1 in 50 shot probably isn't unrealistic odds.
Ultimately, I'd agree that successfully getting a 37 signals, Balsamiq, or Fog Creek off the ground is difficult, but compared to the VC model of "DropBox or bust", it seems like a much more attainable goal.
I think the main lesson is that there's really no free lunch in the startup world - we've all heard it a hundred times before, but there's no silver bullet that guarantees success, or even a decent chance at success in this business. It's not quite the lottery, but a 1 in 50 shot probably isn't unrealistic odds.