In the world of startups, the allure of venture capital often overshadows the virtues of bootstrapping. Recent exits of bootstrapped companies ' like Text Request's acquisition by Commify, Syft Analytics' sale to Xero, and Silo.AI's exit to AMD ' highlight the power and potential of staying self-funded. These examples underscore why more entrepreneurs should consider bootstrapping as a strategic choice, not as a fallback, focusing on sustainable growth which can become effective in times of trouble. At a recent lecture I gave, a student shared a common misconception: that 'bootstrapping' simply meant a company couldn't raise VC money. This view casts bootstrapping as a fallback due to failure rather than a strategic choice. In reality, many founders actively choose bootstrapping to retain control, prioritize market needs and grow sustainably, free from external pressures. 1. Control and agility: Founders who bootstrap retain complete ownership and control over their companies....
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