You’ve learned about the different types of startup investors from angel investors, venture capitalists to strategic investors.

But most startups actually don’t take on outside funding at all! 💪

🥾 Bootstrapping means growing a business without any investor funding 💰

Instead, bootstrapped businesses are solely funded by their profits – or other funds like personal savings or loans

It's a challenging but rewarding path that allows founders to maintain control and ownership of their company, instead of giving it up to outside investors 👑💪

One of the main advantages of bootstrapping is that it forces founders to be scrappy and resourceful, and prioritize positive cash flow over rapid growth 🎯

When you don't have a large injection of cash, you have to focus on generating revenue and controlling costs from day one, which can lead to a more sustainable, profitable business in the long run 🌱💸

Bootstrapping also allows founders to retain full control and ownership of their company 👑

They don't have to answer to outside investors, and they’ll own a bigger chunk of their company if they exit 💸

A downside of bootstrapping is that it can make it harder to grow fast, and can be especially difficult in competitive markets where everyone else has raised outside funding 💼

And of course, bootstrapping isn't easy – it requires tons of hard work, sacrifice, and creativity 😓

Founders may have to work extra long hours, wear many hats, and get by with little resources 🎩

But for those who are passionate, persistent, and resourceful, bootstrapping can be a powerful way to build a successful startup on their own terms 💪🔥