HBR is essentially a pop-business publication with little connection to the school. In 2009 they brought in the editor of Time to shift to a more mainstream publishing style and hence why the content is no different from the type you can read on any generic "business" publication.

Also, deferring profits for growth has been a valid strategy since the beginning of commerce itself. SV didn't invent it, nor is it a "bad" thing. It's typically how all companies grow. Do you think Ford Motor Company was profitable from Day 1?