Founder funded

What?

A startup or company that is designed to function independently of outside direction.

Founder funded companies often start with the founder or founders contributing their own capital (or using creative funding sources, like grants) and evolve with customer-led growth (providing value to customers to create cash flow and profits), without taking on large amounts of external capital.

Why?

It is a path that gives founders the ability to maintain ownership and control for the long term. It is often a path of sustainable growth.

Alternatives include being “venture funded” or “debt funded”, neither of which are better or worse, but they are different journeys to being a founder funded company.

Why the term founder funded and this site?

Many founder funded companies have gone on to be incredibly successful, and we think founders should be proud of the path they are on.

Many in the startup and venture community have referred to being founder funded as bootstrapping (which we believe has negative connotations).

If we’re successful, those on the path will proudly refer to themselves as being founder funded.

Want to get involved?

We’re thinking about ways to improve this site, spread the word and build the community. Please get in touch if you've got suggestions, feedback or would like to be part of the journey.