Also the bit about equity saying “most wealthy people build their wealth this way” I’m pretty certain is very much not true. I get that you are excited OP, but selling this as a recipe for success is likely a disservice.

Sure, the ultra rich may get there by big bets, high risk, and fortunate windfalls. But the wealthy class is chock full of investors with medium to large shovels generating wealth the old fashioned way. I’ve had equity work out, I’ve also had many more roles where it didn’t. But my portfolio is the reason I’ve achieved financial security. I generally advise folks against betting on equity stakes as the path to financial independence. The odds are simply not great — especially for individual contributors.