Don't do a startup with other founders either then. Not all compromises mean that you lose something; often it is the only way to win. Insisting on independence

Don't do a startup with other founders either then. Not all compromises mean that you lose something; often it is the only way to win. Insisting on independence can become rigidity. If you aren't ready to compromise, experience with other founders will simply be bitter and acrimonious. I have done four startups now, and have been fortunate enough to have become independent (that was the goal, not to become rich). Each startup has been made immeasurably easier because I have a wife that has helped me, and she too has had to undoubtedly compromise. I have seen what my single co-founders or near founders have experience, and no way would I have gone through my experiences with as much fun as I have had without my wife's support. She has her own indie business now--and nicely profitable it is too--and I take some measure of pride in having helped her with it every day. Helping her has meant putting off or not doing something that I wanted to do. And finally, the LGPL was a compromise.