Ask HN: Those who went the venture capital route with their side project…
How did you come to that decision and how did it go? How was the transition from side business/project to pitching it to investors? How did you find investors to talk with? Do you regret anything?
Not looking for amazing success stories, just some good discussion.
Maybe your story isn't about a side project, that's fine too. I only used that as an example since that's where I'm at.
I'm in the middle of deciding if I should try to go the c-corp route and eventually raise money (vs. keeping it small for as long as possible with an LLC). I kind of want to try a c-corp just to say I've tried.
I know nothing about this topic, so any educational advice would be great.
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Unless you need massive and immediate growth in order for your company to be successful, I would be weary of taking someone else's money. Your investors have one goal: make a return on their investment. They don't care about your hopes and dreams or whether you will be happy in the long run. It is business. They will pressure you to make those returns happen and it won't be enjoyable for you. Really understand what that relationship will look like before signing on with anyone. Of course, YMMV.
+ VC is expensive capital Don't second C Corp just to say you have done it. Bad idea.
If you have a business that looks like all it needs is capital or you think a large cash infusion will help if grow exponentially then and only then do VC
Also we are building a co creation platform. Why not start there?
www.crowdraising.co
Also, I would like to put an emphases on "eventually raise money", as I know that in order to do that you need profits, a user-base or _something_ to pitch investors on. I know there's no such thing as a magic bullet here. I'm also not at all implying that I will be successful, whichever route I move towards.