Fair question. There were a series of unforeseen circumstances that cut the runway tragically short. The stories you've probably read are missing a lot of info.
I think you're underestimating the seductive lure of the startup and what it can do to the judgment of otherwise whip-smart people. Also just how well management can hide deep structural problems from the staff. Nobody understood how badly Ecomom was doing until after Jody committed suicide.
Don't join a company without understanding its cash flow. If a startups founders can't give you their runway, then you don't have to risk your career on something that might shut down in a week.
