Bootstrapping won’t get you far, unless …

A lot of people preach bootstrapping, and I get why.

Raising funds isn’t easy, and managing relationships with investors can be challenging.

They might influence your vision, and you might even start to feel like an employee.

But if you don’t have the resources to bootstrap, what do you do?

Bootstrapping works if you have the money or a community backing you.

For example, if you run a service business, like an agency, you might have cash flow, some funds on the side, and a database of existing clients who could support your new product.

Assuming it’s not in a completely different industry.

However, if you’re starting from scratch with no extra funds and customers only in your mind, raising capital might make more sense.

With investment, you can hire talented people, develop your product faster, and reach paying customers sooner.

In today’s internet-driven world, consider the competition.

How do you compete with someone, let’s say

In LATAM doing the same thing

Or someone in Asia with government-backed funding

Or in the U.S. with a larger pool of investors?

Yes, bootstrapping has its benefits, and so does raising.

My point?

Stop preaching one approach over the other. Instead, choose the one that best suits your needs and situation.

Neither is inherently better

They’re tools that, when used wisely, can help you reach your goals.

Think ahead, plan accordingly, and decide which approach is better for you given your circumstances.