VC exists because having an idea isn't enough. If you're one developer, working nights and weekends on your idea, the barrier to compete with you is low. If you

VC exists because having an idea isn't enough. If you're one developer, working nights and weekends on your idea, the barrier to compete with you is low. If you get VC money, you can immediately put several fulltime developers on the project, and the barrier to compete with you is higher. It's not a badge of honor, it's the only way to even enter the market.