You start by mentioning everyone wanting to start a startup, then switch to saying how it's better to be an early employee at a start up.
Being the founder of a start up acquired by Google in 3-5 years may be better than working there for those years, however that is not necessarily the case for being an employee at one. Other comments in this thread point to equity in startups often being too low, so I wont repeat the same stuff.
The parent article is "How To Hire When Everyone Wants To Found Their Own Startup". Not be an employee of a startup, FOUND their own startup.
And, while equity distribution still stinks, it's still better to be part of a startup doing something interesting than being a drone at Google. Generally, your salary is probably comparable (being more than 80% from the going rate will be an issue), you're doing something important if not interesting, and there is upside.
Being the founder of a start up acquired by Google in 3-5 years may be better than working there for those years, however that is not necessarily the case for being an employee at one. Other comments in this thread point to equity in startups often being too low, so I wont repeat the same stuff.