I left Google about 14 months ago to start my own company. I had long wanted to start a company and thought the economy was about to take a turn for the worst - so it made sense to get out and start something and hopefully raise some money before everything came tumbling down. It took a little bit longer then I thought for the economy to sour, but what I am seeing and hearing from friends starting companies or investing as venture capitalists is worse then I had anticipated now that the economy is officially hurting.