Would you rather bootstrap or raise funding? Why?

Wyatt Feaster
14 replies

Replies

Mathis Vella
Bootstrap for the freedom!
Wyatt Feaster
@mathis_vella that is where I am at! I would rather grow something slow and steady to like a few mill a years then do the VC crazy route of high stress.
It depends what your goals are. For me: I would rather bootstrap, because I'm not trying to start a billion dollar company, I want to build stuff, but I'm not interested in managing a large team or having to operate with a "growth at all costs" mentality VC money comes with strings attached, and the bigger you get, the more VC money you take, and the more people you are accountable to - that doesn't sound like success IMO
Wyatt Feaster
@william_mathews1 that’s fair. I feel like opinions may change over time as well. Like maybe bootstrapping in the beginning sounds great but maybe if it rows fast you hit a wall and want to raise.
Deepshikha Dhankher
That depends on business goals, resources, and risk tolerance
Daniel Zaitzow
Depends how much of a raise we're talking about. Bahamas residency and a chain of shell companies type of funding or just enough to boost the run rate and sell the farm for pennies on the dollar?
Daniel Zaitzow
@wyatt_feaster Yea I think it can be worth it specifically in a space where you're weary of competition or if there is a current window of opportunity/gaps in the sector.
Wyatt Feaster
@dzaitzow true true. I think it probably really does depend on the company and opportunity. I love the idea myself of organically growing it by bootstrapping. Only raising if absolutely needed!
Polly Collins
I prefer bootstrapping for organic growth, fostering creativity, and maintaining control, ensuring a sustainable and flexible business approach.
Wyatt Feaster
@polly_collins that is fair! I feel like the slow and control of bootstrapping is much more appealing.
Ann Jennings
That is dependent upon the objectives, available resources, and risk appetite of the company.
Wyatt Feaster
@ann_jennings fair point! There may be a point where you grow so quickly you need money to keep going?