What is Bootstrapping in Startups?

Understand the difference between bootstrapping a startup vs raising Venture Capital, and calculate founder equity.

Your Variables

10
1500
3 years
1 years10 years

What is Bootstrapping?

Bootstrapping means building a company entirely from personal finances or the operating revenues of the new company, without relying on outside investors like Venture Capitalists (VCs) or Angel Investors.

Bootstrapping vs Venture Capital

  • Venture Capital: You get a massive influx of cash to grow quickly, but you give up 15-30% of your company (equity) and lose total control.
  • Bootstrapping: Growth is slower, but you retain 100% of the equity and decision-making power.

Use the simulator above to see how equity dilution from VC rounds affects your net worth in an eventual exit compared to staying bootstrapped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Keep Exploring