Venture capital-backed startups have shifted from a status symbol to something more common and less interesting. In earlier decades, fields like investment banking represented a high-status career choice, but with the rise of tech culture, that perception changed. What was once seen as a high expected value path has transformed into a default option for ambitious individuals seeking to be perceived as smart. Just as banking lost its allure, the startup scene is facing a similar decline in status. The article argues that this erosion comes from several factors, particularly the influence of large venture firms that prioritize recognizable, low-risk ideas over original thought. Founders now tend to optimize for what's legible and safe, leading to a homogenization of startups. This environment fosters a culture of conformity rather than innovation. As a result, being a founder no longer implies uniqueness or vision; instead, it often suggests a lack of originality. The author highlights how the rise of algorithmic social media, the pandemic, and political unrest have shaped perceptions among different generations, particularly Gen Z. For them, tech has always been a startup mill, leading to a sense of nihilism rather than disillusionment. The article also notes generational differences in how these shifts are perceived and acted upon. Millennials, who witnessed the evolution of tech from an innovative field to a more corporate landscape, may either channel their disillusionment into new projects or become complacent, focusing on personal gains. In contrast, younger generations like Gen Alpha may approach the tech world without nostalgia or attachment to its current state, potentially opting for a more balanced view of success. The overall flattening of aesthetic in venture and startups indicates a broader trend where participation in these fields carries less significance about personal identity or values.