I have to admit I learned something here: getting investors can be just as bad for the business itself as many acquisitions, and it's much worse for the founder

I have to admit I learned something here: getting investors can be just as bad for the business itself as many acquisitions, and it's much worse for the founders. In my opinion, if you're sitting on a profitable company, with a sustainable lifestyle, in a market that really can continue to expand, keep others out unless they let you put 10 years' profits in your own pocket first.