How to make $1M, $5M, or $10M+ in Silicon Valley.
I’ve seen many friends “make it” in Silicon Valley over the last 15 years. None got top tier jobs out of college, so they usually started at mediocre Seed or Series A companies with OK founders and OK investors. From there, they hustled, got lucky, and played their cards right.
Here’s how you make it in Silicon Valley:
The Startup Career Climber – $1-3M Net Worth – $200-400K salary
First few companies failed. “Failed up” consistently often in similar roles at better companies – later stage, better investors. Had 1 or 2 medium exits (made $250-500K), increasing their scope and salary every 2 years.
The Small Business Owner – $3-10M Net worth – $500K+ salary
A few left startups to start their own thing, a consultancy, a course business, a consultancy. Something that cash flows nicely with great hours.
The High Flying Startup Career Climber – $5M+ Net Worth – $1M+ salary
Picked right in first or second job. Top performer and increased scope dramatically. Company had a $1B+ exit. Became a career VP at late stage or public companies.
The IC Engineer – $5M+ Net Worth – $1M+ salary
Got to Level 4-5 at good startups, making great money along the way, maybe an exit. Moved over to Google, Meta or a late stage or public company.
The Failed Founder – $5M+ Net Worth – $500K+ salary
Started a company with OK investors. Didn’t make it, but “failed up” into VC. Became high-performing GPs at mid-tier funds.
The Lucky Duck – $20M+ Net Worth – $0 salary 🤠
Of course, a few of these people started companies that had $1B+ exits. Or they joined a $10B exit in first 25-100 employees. Or they joined a $10B exit as a Director/VP pre-IPO. Rare, but possible.
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