I can't speak for OP, but I didn't seek funding for my company because I knew that it would eventually force me to sacrifice the things I value about it in favo

I can't speak for OP, but I didn't seek funding for my company because I knew that it would eventually force me to sacrifice the things I value about it in favor of growth. I'd rather run a small company that sustainably does good, honest business than a giant one that hollows itself out for maximum growth. Founders are just as tired of "ugh, why can't they just stop ruining good things!" as you are. Or some of us are, anyway.