Is there any data on the success rate of companies that aim small? A lot of the allure of the startup is a chance to strike it big. If one isn't doing that anyways, might make more sense to join a big company since they offer a considerably higher expected return on your work.
(Also if one can get funding, it lets one get paid an actual salary more quickly.)
(Also if one can get funding, it lets one get paid an actual salary more quickly.)