lol imagine building a billion-dollar biz without board meetings. good job with your lemonade stands tho 😂

Debt-free is the way to be. No VC means no payments with interest breathing down your neck. It may take longer to grow, but at least you aren’t beholden to anyone. Cheers to bootstrapping!

so inspired right now 👏 i'm just starting out and worried about funding, but hearing success stories like yours is really motivating! gonna keep it lean and mean - any tips for someone just entering the game?

In the cybersecurity sector, things move too fast and the tech is too expensive for most bootstrappers. VC cash can be a necessary evil if you wanna make a dent. But yes, losing control and having to answer to a board is not fun.

Bootstrapping teaches financial discipline that can benefit even large companies. Entrepreneurs that have been through it tend to have a laser-focused approach to spending on what really matters. But don't bash VCs altogether; some startups genuinely benefit from external funding in strategic moments.

There's a place for VC funding though. Sure, not every startup needs it, but many industries require serious capital for R&D and to get big fast. If you're operating in a highly competitive market or tech industry, bootstrapping may not cut it. You gotta scale fast or die trying.

VCs pour money and then expect 10x returns...they push for rapid growth before proper foundations are built. Seen too many good ideas get crushed under the growth-at-all-costs pressure. Bootstrapping for life!

Totally agree with you. I've found that running a lean operation from the start forces you to really focus on what's essential. Also, being resourceful without VC money can lead to some really innovative solutions that you might not consider if you had a big budget. Bootstrapping isn't easy, but it's definitely rewarding when you make it.