The top rated answer repeatedly makes the point that the entrepreneur must choose his investors wisely. The OP points out that the best way to have such a luxur

The top rated answer repeatedly makes the point that the entrepreneur must choose his investors wisely. The OP points out that the best way to have such a luxury is to be profitable early and then create a bidding war among potential investors. This will (hopefully) make it so that the entrepreneur will retain control over his board.