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Michael Seibel

02/06/24

@ Y Combinator

None of the trillion-dollar software companies have been bootstrapped without venture capital; it's important to recognize that achieving such scale typically requires VC funding.

Video

Should Your Startup Bootstrap or Raise Venture Capital?

@ Y Combinator

Should Your Startup Bootstrap or Raise Venture Capital?

02/06/24

Related Takeaways

Joel Spolsky

10/25/13

@ Y Combinator

The decision to bootstrap or seek venture capital is crucial; most entrepreneurs do not rely on VC funding.

Y Combinator Cast

04/12/24

@ Y Combinator

To fund hardware companies, it's essential to secure customer purchase orders and not rely solely on venture capital funding.

Marc Andreessen

06/11/25

@ Uncapped with Jack Altman

The venture capital industry has evolved significantly, moving from a focus on tool companies to a landscape where successful companies often disrupt entire industries directly.

Kofi Ampadu

05/06/25

@ a16z

Venture capitalists can offer substantial capital, assist with hiring executives, and provide operational support, but they require significant equity and expect rapid growth to generate returns.

Y Combinator Cast

02/06/24

@ Y Combinator

Some businesses genuinely require upfront capital to succeed, and venture capital can provide that necessary funding when other options are limited.

Dalton Caldwell

10/23/24

@ Y Combinator

Venture Capitalists (VCs) invest small amounts of money to acquire equity in startups, hoping that a few will grow large enough to cover the losses from unsuccessful investments.

Y Combinator Cast

02/06/24

@ Y Combinator

If you're seeking millions of dollars to reach break-even, venture capital is one of the few mechanisms available to secure that funding in today's economy.

Y Combinator Cast

02/06/24

@ Y Combinator

The discussion around bootstrapping versus venture capital should focus on the realities of business needs rather than sensationalized stories that misrepresent the funding landscape.

a16z Cast

04/29/25

@ a16z

The venture capital landscape is changing, with a focus on building companies that provide end-to-end services rather than just tools, as seen with companies like Uber and Airbnb.