← All ToolsFree Decision Tool

Should You Raise VC
or Bootstrap?

Get a personalized analysis with real numbers.See what you'll actually walk away with.

75%

of VC-backed companies never return capital

32%

founder ownership after Series C

$0

if exit is below liquidation preference

Takes 3 minutes. No email required to start.

Most advice is useless

Because it doesn't show you the actual math

What you usually hear

  • "Raise if you need money fast"
  • "VC gives you credibility"
  • "It depends" — with no analysis
  • Ignores liquidation preferences

What this tool gives you

  • Personalized to YOUR situation
  • Real dilution math across rounds
  • Expected value with probabilities
  • Year-by-year projections

What you'll get

A complete analysis in 6 detailed sections

Clear Recommendation

Bootstrap, Hybrid, or Consider VC — based on your answers

Dilution Reality

Watch ownership drop from 100% to 32% across rounds

Year-by-Year Comparison

Revenue, profit, and payouts for both paths over 7 years

Expected Value Analysis

Probability-weighted outcomes for each exit scenario

George's Take

Personalized verdict with specific positives and concerns

Next Steps

Actionable recommendations for your specific situation

The dilution journey

What happens to your ownership after each round

Day 1
100%
Pre-seed
90%
Seed
74%
Series A
51%
Series B
40%
Series C
32%

You started with 100%. After Series C, you own 32%.

This tool shows you exactly what that means in dollars.

Who this is for

First-time founders

Trying to figure out the funding landscape

Profitable bootstrappers

Wondering if they should raise to scale faster

Pre-revenue founders

Deciding how to fund their first year

Anyone who's been told

"You need VC to build something big"

A note from George

"Every week, I talk to founders who raised money they didn't need. They traded 20-40% of their company for 'credibility' and now spend more time managing investors than building.

I built $10M+ in businesses by 27 without raising a dollar. Not because VC is always wrong — but because ownership is freedom, and most founders don't realize what they're giving up until it's too late."

This tool gives you the math. You make the call.

How it works

1

Answer 7 questions

2

Choose business type

3

Add numbers (optional)

4

Get your analysis

Ready to find your path?

Get your personalized VC vs Bootstrap analysis in 3 minutes.

Free forever. No credit card. No BS.

Built by George Pu — founder who chose bootstrapping and hasn't looked back.