>> If you don't mind being relatively unheard of and only want to make enough money to be independent, then it actually isn't very hard to bootstrap a business.

>> If you don't mind being relatively unheard of and only want to make enough money to be independent, then it actually isn't very hard to bootstrap a business. 100% agree agree agree. TechCrunch, tech conferences and forums (including HN) fuel the startup porn aspect of fame. And the spotlighting of a handful of companies make people think that billions of dollars are out there for the taking. You aren't going to be famous and you don't need a billion dollars. Once you accept that your lens on the world comes into a lot more focus. The last time I was in a position to raise money one of my friends said, "you're growing and there is a lot of profit...and you get to decide what to do with all the profit, include putting it in your own pocket? Raising money means you are now on a salary and have a boss. Why would you do that?" He was right and I've never thought about raising money for that project or any other ever again. Most VC founders wait 7+ years for their cash-out moment, if it ever comes at all. Build a profitable business and stop worrying about the adoration of people you don't know. Make the money, keep the money.