As you know, I categorically support bootstrapped entrepreneurs.
There are numerous startups now that have achieved some revenue without any external funding.
However, it has taken time. Sometimes, it has taken 5-7 years to get there.
VCs, however, are looking for velocity.
Their goal is to achieve $100M in 5-7 years.
So how does an entrepreneur with a profitable bootstrapped company convince investors that (s)he can get to $100M in the next 4-5 years?
How is that a credible, defensible claim?
This question is at the heart of the Bootstrap First, Raise Money Later strategy that we practice and advocate in 1Mby1M.
The key to this is in establishing a clear Positioning and GTM strategy with precise metrics.
If your positioning can show a defensible bottom-up TAM, and if your GTM validates a repeatable customer acquisition strategy that can be scaled aggressively by injecting capital, you CAN raise money.
To raise funding, sometimes further funding beyond a small round, requires that you show a path to high velocity growth.
VC goal is to achieve $100M revenue in 5-7 years.
My Questions to You:
Will you be looking for funding in 2025? If so, can you explain to a VC how $X investment becomes $3X or $5X revenue with your GTM strategy?
If you think you need help, consider a free online mentoring session with me: https://1m1m.sramanamitra.com/free-public-roundtables/ I will diagnose your roadblocks and we can discuss a path forward.
You can also jump into a full-year Acceleration by joining the 1Mby1M Premium Program with me: https://1m1m.sramanamitra.com/