Three Paths to Building: VC, Bootstrap, or Build-to-Sell
Most startup advice assumes one path:
Raise VC. Scale fast. Exit big.
But that’s not the only way—and for many founders, it’s not the right way.
At this virtual panel, we’ll hear from three experienced operators who’ve built companies through distinct paths:
Venture-backed growth
Bootstrapped / ownership-first
Build-to-sell / acquisition-focused
Rather than pitching one “right” answer, this conversation focuses on:
Tradeoffs (control, risk, speed, pressure)
Decision points founders actually face
What each path demands of you as a founder
If you’re early-stage, exploring options, or feeling unsure which direction to commit to—this event will give you clarity.
What You’ll Learn
When VC funding does (and doesn’t) make sense
What bootstrapping really requires beyond grit
How founders intentionally build toward acquisition
How to choose a path aligned with your life, goals, and business model
Common mistakes founders make by choosing the wrong path too early
Who Should Attend
Early-stage founders (idea → early traction)
Solo founders deciding how to structure growth
Student founders exploring post-graduation paths
Operators thinking about starting a company
Anyone tired of one-size-fits-all startup advice
Panel Format
15 min — Speaker intros (5 min per path)
30 min — Moderated discussion & real talk
30 min — Founder Q&A
15 min — Optional breakout networking
Speakers
🎤 Anya N. Smith — Venture-backed, category creation
🎤 Rafael Williams — Bootstrapped, ownership-first
🎤 Vandana Mishra — Built-to-sell, repeat founder
🎤 Mitra Raman — Capital-efficient, operator-led
🎤 Mike Waggoner — Non-dilutive, deep-tech scale
Why This Event Matters
At the Founder Institute Seattle.
We don’t push founders toward a single outcome.
We help them choose deliberately and build accordingly.
What’s Next
Founder Institute Seattle’s Spring 2026 Cohort launches April 22nd.
📅 Applications are open now at fi.co/seattle
🎓 This event is part of our public founder series leading up to the cohort.
Hosted by Founder Institute Seattle, building the next generation of companies across multiple paths.