"We're profitable, but VCs keep approaching us. Should I take their money or stay independent?"

That's the question from Neil that kicked off this Post bag episode – and it's one that keeps founders up at night.

Welcome to the Peer Effect Post bag, where James Johnson and Freddie Birley tackle your toughest founder questions. This week, we dig into the VC funding vs bootstrapping debate, exploring why profitable founders still consider taking investment and what really matters when making this decision.

In this episode, we unpack:

• Why you need to get clear on what you actually want before considering VC money
• The hidden reality of "giving up control" and what that really means day-to-day
• Why the grass always looks greener (VC founders want profitability, bootstrap founders want funding)
• How to evaluate if VC money is a vehicle for what you want or a distraction
• The shift from executor to creator as you scale and how that affects your decision

Plus, Freddie shares her thoughts on presence, quality over quantity, and why being fully present transforms both relationships and business outcomes.

👆 If you're wrestling with whether to take funding, feeling the pull of VC validation, or wondering if there's a "right" path, this conversation will help you think through what's actually right for you.

Got a question for the Postbag? Send it to [email protected]

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