In fact, I would hope that most people wouldn't just follow their gut on such an important decision - even if the answer seems obvious, something like fundraisi

In fact, I would hope that most people wouldn't just follow their gut on such an important decision - even if the answer seems obvious, something like fundraising is worth investigating closely and carefully. False dichotomy. These things are not mutually exclusive. Absolutely, you should investigate closely and carefully; but the final decision will come from your gut. It has to, because it's ultimately a question of what kind of company you want to build.