Ask HN: Re: 37 Signals - List of successfully bootstrapped tech startups?

10 points

17 years ago

I'm guessing the 8+ submissions of the 37 Signals/Twitter satire were killed due to fatigue. It makes sense, the argument surrounding the VC vs. bootstrap model in the context of the Mint buyout generated 300+ comments, often heated.

Instead of rehashing the same arguments can we look at this empirically?

lets create a list of successful (defined by exit or long term profitability) tech start ups that haven't taken VC. Then we can compare it to the portfolios from the top 5-10 VC's. It won't conclude anything, but at least we can argue facts instead of opinions.

I'll gladly put together a comparison site if we can generate enough names:

Successful tech start ups that haven't taken VC:

1. Craigslist.org

2. PlentyOfFish.com

3. MyBlogLog.com

4. ClubPenguin.com (angel)

5. Threadless.com (took on a small amount of expansion capital, but was profitable before hand)

Others?

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