I think it just depends on the kind of product you're building. It sounds like you were tackling a fairly ambitious problem, so maybe it couldn't have been done

I think it just depends on the kind of product you're building. It sounds like you were tackling a fairly ambitious problem, so maybe it couldn't have been done by one person. I've been working on a small bootstrapped service. There have been some long hours, but nothing too crazy. I've also taken a few breaks to do some contract projects (I'm actually looking for a new project now, and you can find some links in my HN profile.) I'm working on a fairly niche product, so I think I can afford to go at a slower pace and not have any cofounders. Sometimes a startup idea does require a team and some VC funding. Those ones are far more risky and have a lower chance of success, but it's a totally different game.