Tech IndustrySep 24, 2019

FANG vs PhD in AI with own startup

So im currently slated to start at FB this spring and will be on track to make ~200k+ new grad in comp. If you go on cscareers, all the children will decry phd routes as non optimal, which i agree, given you just return to fang anyways and dont do shit in your life. But right now AI startups ran by competent ppl are getting acquired fast, with 8-9 figure payouts. So while FB or Google is cool, and 200k at 22 is ok, doesnt it make a lot more sense to do a phd and startup on the side (that you have high equity in or started yourself), and optimize it to be a buyout target, reaching 8-9 figure net worth by mid 20s? Just dont understand obsession with fang given this option exists.

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Aura redrun Sep 24, 2019

Most of these startups still fail

Goldman Sachs nbqi06 OP Sep 24, 2019

So you say it’s lack of product market fit on the companies end? I agree that some ppl are very well versed with maths and ML yet can’t wrap their heads around ppl and their needs

Facebook jitdvh Sep 24, 2019

I don’t understand how you got accepted to FB if you think any AI phd will make 8 figure net worth in mid 20s. By all means, if you think you can make it, go for it.

Goldman Sachs nbqi06 OP Sep 24, 2019

Alexandr wang raised 100M and he’s currently 22. It’s not difficult

Facebook jitdvh Sep 24, 2019

As I said, go for it if it’s not difficult.

Fast Enterprises nskcjx4 Sep 24, 2019

I didn’t think 200k was too much for a new grad SDE until I read this post

Goldman Sachs nbqi06 OP Sep 24, 2019

200k is barely anything

Pivotal phewchild Sep 24, 2019

Not a bad starting point even if 200k is small in grand scheme

Twitch tftchamp Sep 24, 2019

If there is a sure shot (90%+ probability) way to legally make 8 figure money in 5-10 year timeline, anyone would down for it. 200k job with 3-5 year work ethic is 90%+ chance, no way for $10M+ payout

Goldman Sachs nbqi06 OP Sep 24, 2019

Would you do it if it involved 2-3x more stress but 100x more payout?

Twitch tftchamp Sep 24, 2019

I’d do it if it’s guaranteed success irrespective of stress. Even if stress is 100x and I can make 1 billion guaranteed after 5 years, I’ll do it.

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ohwl98 Sep 24, 2019

Good luck buddy. Try it out and let me know how it goes. I'll give you your second billion if you make your first within 10 years.

Microsoft yNiO12 Sep 24, 2019

Nah bro what you gotta do is take the 200k job and do the PhD on the side, but at the same time start your company and get it to ~100mm. By the time you finish the PhD your startup will be hot and easily get billion+ valuation plus you can funnel all your FB salary into the company and live on ramen. 3-4x more stress but 10000x payout

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ohwl98 Sep 24, 2019

If you do those three things, you'll do none of them well.

Princeton Review SNYu56 Sep 24, 2019

go FANG, prepare top school phd, never do startup with phd, you will have better chance to make 8 figure. you’re welcome.

Aura redrun Sep 24, 2019

English must be your third language

Bloomberg 0oe71@4xns Sep 24, 2019

What percentage of these AI PhD startups are actually having successful exits? For startups as a whole, that number is roughly 1/20.

Princeton Review SNYu56 Sep 24, 2019

1/20 when if it starts with good seniors. 100x harder for entry level.

T-Mobile whatcanIsay Sep 24, 2019

Guess you've never founded a company before huh?

Riverbed Technology dagdaubab Sep 24, 2019

Those who talk about starting a startup usually never end up doing it. If it was meant to be, you wouldn't be here asking us losers.

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ohwl98 Sep 24, 2019

Truer words have never been spoken.