From digging around, I suspect there is a starting base phenomenon for that risk tolerance.

For example I was watching a documentary and got curious about theglobe founders — one was the son of Valley business type and the other was the grandson of the founder of Nestle.

Many engineers come from more pedestrian roots, and need money to make rent if the company folds, while the founders can accept “stipend” money because they have cash flow guarantees (probably estate tax avoidant annual gifts) and possible even jobs from family connections.