Navigating Growth Without Funding: When and how to raise capital in a bootstrapped startup

One of the standout perks of bootstrapping is the control it grants to founders.

By Aabha Gupta

A "growth at all costs" mindset was common among companies a decade ago, due to the abundance of readily available venture capital. It was encouraged—and often mandated—that startup entrepreneurs rapidly expand their businesses, regardless of the impact on their profit margins, in order to capture a larger portion of the market. Unrealistic growth projections and high valuations were very much a common thing, and the success of a startup was determined by how much funding was raised easily.

However, this is changing. There are still people within the startup ecosystem who perceive the importance of attracting external investment to build the business, but there is growing resistance to this view. More and more business owners are opting for the option to start from scratch instead of aggressively pursuing venture capital or other types of outside funding. The term that is used to define this technique is bootstrapping. Companies that use "bootstrapped" strategies—funding their growth from personal savings, client revenue, or small loans—are showing that growth can be achieved without external funds.

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While most new companies are fiercely vying for venture financing, some have proven they can get by "bootstrapping" their operations. Zerodha and Zoho Corporation are great examples of successful bootstrapping. Zoho, a leader in the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) industry, has grown steadily without relinquishing control of the company, thanks to its self-funding model. Zerodha stands tall as a prime example of bootstrapping. This platform has blossomed into the largest online stock trading and investing platform without a dime of seed funding. This tale displays that bootstrapped companies can achieve success if every process is done and implemented with meticulous planning, sharp execution as well as unwavering commitment. No doubt, the self-sustaining nature of this approach brings a treasure trove of advantages and this is what makes it worthwhile to deep dive into the specific perks it offers.

The Perks of Bootstrapping

One of the standout perks of bootstrapping is the control it grants to founders. Entrepreneurs who finance their own ventures can breathe easy, free from the pressure of quarterly results or the relentless chase for growth that often haunts those dependent on outside investors. This freedom lets them concentrate on the big picture of their business.

Since they lack external funding, bootstrapped businesses are motivated to achieve profitability from the outset. Also, in order to maximise efficiency, their processes are kept lean. And in this process spending is tightly controlled, which can lead to more thoughtful and creative decision-making. A lack of capital encourages inventiveness on the part of founders, as they become naturally ingenious when faced with constraints.

It is important to weigh the potential advantages and disadvantages of each and every strategy. Another advantage of bootstrapped enterprises is that they are less likely to be affected by market fluctuations or investor demand, as they are not reliant on outside investors. This can contribute to the company's stability and longevity.

Challenges Faced While Bootstrapping

While bootstrapping comes with a lot of advantages, there are definitely some disadvantages that shouldn't be overlooked. The financial pressure, especially at the start, can really pile on. Entrepreneurs really need to keep an eye on cash flow to ensure their business runs without a hitch. So, all the profits need to go back into the business, which means owners can’t just reach into their own pockets to cover any shortfalls.

Apart from the financial pressure, scaling up is another challenge. Bootstrapped businesses, unlike those that have venture capital backing, really have to make the most of the resources they currently have. When competitors are expanding faster, it can feel like an endless, demoralising rat race.

Retention is another issue for bootstrapped businesses. Competitive salaries can be appealing, but they may not be enough to keep employees if funds are tight. To attract talent, many bootstrapped businesses offer ownership opportunities or create a positive work culture for those willing to dedicate themselves to the firm’s long-term goals.

Analysing the Need for Investment

Before addressing potential investors, a company should examine its resource gaps, identify any growth limits or substantial expansion prospects, and ensure that money is allocated properly through thorough investment and cash flow planning. After recognising a requirement, the choice between debt and equity financing—both with their own set of trade-offs—can be made. Debt provides for the continuation of original corporate control while requiring severe repayment terms. Equity financing provides for faster expansion, but it requires giving up some control.

Investors prefer companies that are currently cash-positive and have a strong income stream, as returns are not guaranteed without a proven business plan. Bootstrapped companies can delay funding until they have fully matured in the marketplace and can set the conditions themselves. Timing is critical in this process. Building a foundation based on fundamentals aimed at scaling sustainably—such as achieving basic profitability, managing costs, and creating sound financial systems—is always more important for long-term success than relying on external funding.

All in all, it can be said that bootstrapping "success" stories, such as Zerodha and Zoho, show that self-sustaining enterprises can thrive. Compared to venture-backed companies, bootstrapped businesses tend to have more freedom and flexibility. However, they are more difficult to manage and take longer to grow. Finally, knowing when to bring in outside investment is critical to keeping the wheels of sustainable growth rolling. Entrepreneurs who have built their firms from the bottom up can still discover ways to raise funds without giving up their hard-earned independence and financial freedom. The route to starting a business from scratch is frequently difficult, but for those who cherish their personal liberty and desire to steer their own ship, the benefits can be truly plentiful.

(Aabha Gupta, Co-founder, Ant mascot.)

Views are personal, and do not represent the stance of this publication.