At the time, we didn't know where else to get $500K-$1.5M. Turns out $220K and some pain and hustling was enough. Thank God the fundamentals are really sound and upside is really there.
Now we're more looking into nondilutive funding and our lines of credit are burgeoning so it's possible VC won't be needed altogether. Not ready to close the door yet though, especially to the most selective programs and institutions both now and down the line. If we got into YC we would definitely accept, or even some other selective program like NFX FAST we would definitely consider very seriously.
Stability, runway, my father had a bankruptcy where he was accused of having his hand in customer funds. I strongly believe the right kind of partner can unlock incredible wealth in this case.
Now we're more looking into nondilutive funding and our lines of credit are burgeoning so it's possible VC won't be needed altogether. Not ready to close the door yet though, especially to the most selective programs and institutions both now and down the line. If we got into YC we would definitely accept, or even some other selective program like NFX FAST we would definitely consider very seriously.