I tell my founders to always always fly straight or don't fly at all because if you cut corners or deceive, it will come back to you.

Had they been honest and played by the rules they could be sitting on a massive windfall.

Unfortunately, some VCs and founders think like gangsters and get surprised when things dont plan out. Just because it worked for someone in your circle doesn't mean its gonna work for you. It is a horrible behavior to emulate.