"Startup" implies venture capital, which means the founders' early understanding of the business is going to be amplified by an infusion of cash, with the expec

"Startup" implies venture capital, which means the founders' early understanding of the business is going to be amplified by an infusion of cash, with the expectation of rapid growth. Business success can occur slowly, perhaps growing 5-10% every year (or maybe not even growing at all, and just remaining profitable). I think of it like golf: bootstrapped businesses are like trying to use a putter to get the ball from the tee all the way to the hole. It's probably going to take you a long time, but if you pay attention you have a good chance of eventually succeeding. VC is like a big driver club, so you can get the ball to the hole faster but if you make a bad shot then you're screwed.