Well, there is huge difference between options available to you as VC backed startup and as bootstrapped one. Your warning about dangers are all very true, mos

Well, there is huge difference between options available to you as VC backed startup and as bootstrapped one. Your warning about dangers are all very true, most people don't think about those. On the positive side, your upside can be great, and since you didn't take VC money, you can be happy with much less then VC backed startup. You can make big company, small company, lifestyle business, you can get acquired if you desire so.