I had an eye-opening chat with Jason Fried on my podcast about startup funding. His perspective challenges everything most founders believe.

Controversial truth that needs to be said:”Not all external money is worth taking.”

Here's the uncomfortable truth about funding:The less money you take early, the stronger you'll be.

Why? Let's break it down:

1. The Independence Tax

* You're now on someone else's timeline

* External pressures drive decisions

* Long-term vision gets compromised

* = Lost autonomy you can't buy back

2. The Speed Trap

* Pressure to show fast growth

* Premature scaling kills

* Forced to "go big or go home"

* = Racing toward wrong goals

3. What Nobody Tells You

* Investors want specific timeframes

* Your timeline ≠ Their timeline

* "Going fast" means spending big

* = Misaligned incentives

4. What Actually Works:

✓ Build sustainable business first

✓ Stay independent longer

✓ Keep full control

✓ Choose your own path

= Power to build your way

The Reality Check:

Independence is your competitive advantage.

Money comes with invisible strings.

Remember:

"The best funding round might be the one you don't take."

Comment a 🧿 if you're tired of the "raise fast" pressure!

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