Why we chose to bootstrap our startup

Congratulations on finding success and satisfaction in your work. If you accept VC money you are now beholden to your shareholders and are no longer in control of your business. The degree of autonomy you have, the quality of your product, and the satisfaction you derive from your work will all surely suffer as a result. It’s a deal with the devil and frankly, were I running a business, I would stay away.

I'm a solo dev doing $700k yearly across two saas products. I'm also the founding engineer at Reforge (e.g. I've done the VC game from A16Z).
There are two things I look at when raising VC.

1. What's the TAM of my product and will a capital injection get me there faster?

2. Do I actually want to raise capital or do I want to work at my own pace?

The last couple of years (after Reforge), I've just been working at my own pace -- healing from my last VC run.

Great way forward! Happy user since 2017 :).

Hi @indieesaas

Are you connected with Readwise at all, or you are a content marketer writing and/or promoting their content?

We all like to make a song and a dance about bootstrapping, but it's actually the defacto status. If we never have to spend (or waste depending on your point of view) effort convincing others about the opportunity in exchange for equity, the easiest route is via bootstrapping.

I've been bootstrapping since 2004 with Exits. I know how hard it is. Hence why I created https://skilledup.life - free talent for tech startups (once subscribed). Your bootstrapping journey no longer needs to be a lonely one.

All the best
Manoj

Thanks for sharing this. You touch on points I wouldn't have even thought of. Has given me food for thought.

These are some really good and interesting reasons for choosing to bootstrap vs trying for VC funding. I like how you've wanted to remain true to the product and make it succeed without outside help. Good luck to you!