There's a contextual cue that's missing between the two, but a strong hint is in the, "Growth that can never translate into long-term positive cash flow...", st

There's a contextual cue that's missing between the two, but a strong hint is in the, "Growth that can never translate into long-term positive cash flow...", statement. That context is growth for what duration and what investing purpose. If I'm investing into a business for the longer haul, like a pension fund might or maybe looking at a company to take a senior position in and stay in a job for years and years, etc. the viability of the business as a business becomes more important than if I'm investing for an exit 2-5 years down the road. If I'm a VC or similar looking for a relatively quick turnaround, in short two to five year window the company might become recognizable enough or have a popular technology etc. that the long term viability of the business qua business becomes less important than does who might want it for reasons other than current revenue or profitability. Once you get the context, the quotes aren't so much contradictory as much as referring simply to different goals.