I always liked the saying 'you can control what others do, but you can control your reaction to it'.
It is entirely possible that the start-up you were working for is having some issues, and are therefore unable to hire you. Or maybe they are being acquired, and can't talk about it, but also can't hire any more people.
The fact is you don't know the actual situation, only what the founder told you, and it is possible that he can't tell you the real reason. Maybe he is saying what he is saying to make himself feel better about something. Whatever it is, it doesn't matter.
Have you considered going back to the other companies that wanted to interview you and see if they are still interested?
Though it may seem like things have been really screwed up, you never know what will happen. This could turn out better than your original plan.
It is entirely possible that the start-up you were working for is having some issues, and are therefore unable to hire you. Or maybe they are being acquired, and can't talk about it, but also can't hire any more people.
The fact is you don't know the actual situation, only what the founder told you, and it is possible that he can't tell you the real reason. Maybe he is saying what he is saying to make himself feel better about something. Whatever it is, it doesn't matter.
Have you considered going back to the other companies that wanted to interview you and see if they are still interested?
Though it may seem like things have been really screwed up, you never know what will happen. This could turn out better than your original plan.
Best of luck