My opinion, which is being borne out: is that folks take jobs in these questionable ventures for the simple reason that it's a job with a paycheck - which is a damned sight better than no job in between jobs. Most VC startups - particularly in the energy field- are simply cash skimming machines for the money brokers and temporary workfare programs for the employees. Soon, the clouds of suspicion and illegitimacy will blanket all projects, good and bad.
This certainly has not escaped notice on th money side and will eventually lead to a period of time where there is little/no funding for anyone, no matter how viable or beneficial her/his business might be. Get used to bootstrapping folks...