The benefits of bootstrapping a business, meaning building and growing it without venture capital funding. The author highlights the advantages of bootstrapping, such as greater control over the company's direction and culture, as well as the ability to focus on building a quality product and strong customer relationships. The article provides several examples of successful bootstrapped companies, like Tuple, Gumroad, and Mailchimp, demonstrating how a focus on creativity, efficiency, and early revenue generation can lead to long-term success. The article concludes by emphasizing that success can be defined in various ways, and bootstrapping offers entrepreneurs the flexibility to choose their own path and define success on their own terms.