Bootstrap companies winning the race. Who agree with me?

Agreed. Bootstrap companies are those that are started without external investment, relying on the founder's personal funds or profits generated by the business itself to finance growth. While there are certainly examples of successful bootstrap companies, there are also many successful companies that have raised significant amounts of external funding. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in bootstrapping as a means of starting and growing a business, particularly in the tech industry. Bootstrapping can offer a degree of control and flexibility that may not be possible with external funding, and it can also help entrepreneurs avoid the pressure and expectations that come with outside investment. However, the success of a company depends on many factors beyond its funding source, such as the quality of the product or service, market demand, execution, and timing. While bootstrapping can be a viable option for some companies, it is not necessarily a requirement for success.

Now unicorns are becoming dragons and this is closer to a resilient, clear-headed startup model. I personally like the transition from unicorns to dragons. In many senses, a unicorn creature doesn't reflect entrepreneurship too well, to put it mildly. I was happy when I could change my headline because now I feel it's more appropriate. These mythical creatures are known for their toughness, independence, and tenacity, and they have a deep loyalty to their mission and customers. These are the qualities that entrepreneurs should strive for, rather than just focusing on a billion-dollar valuation. By being a dragon, entrepreneurs are equipped to navigate through difficult times while still maintaining strong unit economics and a commitment to solving problems. I believe these companies are closer to the bootstrapped model, or that bootstrapped startups are basically dragons. But not all dragons are bootstrapped. Thinking out loud here. :)

they have more grit and honesty

Any examples?

I think bootstrapped companies just have less room to be sloppy with product and marketing, giving them a better chance at fit overall.

This is mostly true. A lot of VC companies these days could easily be bootstrapped. The economic outcome for founders is also better imo if you just average it across the board for each category.

Bootstrap companies are those that start and grow without external funding or investment.