Just because it's the official definition of a start-up doesn't mean it's a good definition. There's been a steady stream of bootstrapped companies providing l

Just because it's the official definition of a start-up doesn't mean it's a good definition. There's been a steady stream of bootstrapped companies providing legally and morally uncontroversial, high quality products to satisfied customers, and growing steadily until they become much bigger than "small businesses". IMO there's something deranged about the need to operate on the basis of explosive growth from day zero. Not only does it create pointless stress and drama, but it isn't even a particularly reliable way to grow a business - never mind an uncontroversial one with satisfied customers.