The startup community typically spotlights founders first and executives second. Though said pattern is warranted, there exists a third element essential to the startup ecosystem - the startup professional.
Jason Calcanis brilliantly stated "You don’t have what it takes".* In other words, everyone essential to the startup world is not founder material; yet that does not limit their ecosystemic value..nor passion for innovation.
Most startup professionals are actually MULTI-professionals with the ability to switch roles (and functions) at a moment's notice. They're typically motivated by creative ideas and uncharted terrain.
To the startup professional, the unknown is more opportunity for success than possibility of failure; and, most importantly, they're inspired more by organizational change than a bi-weekly paycheck.
* http://calacanis.com/2015/09/20/you-dont-have-what-it-takes/
Kahlil Crawford 224.226.3869 California