The ultimate KPI?
Profit.
The lifeblood of every business.
Venture capital may ignite the spark, private equity might add fuel to the fire, and going public can elevate a company to new heights. But at its core, survival hinges on one thing: turning a profit.
Bootstrapped businesses, with their slow yet steadfast growth, create a rock-solid foundation. Outside capital might boost the appearance of grandeur through flashy advertising and branding, but it comes with a price—often measured in customer acquisition costs. Sometimes it pays off, but sometimes it doesn’t.
Not to say that outside capital is wrong; on the contrary, it offers undeniable benefits. However, self-funded businesses revel in autonomy and unique advantages. Investors bring expectations—expectations for a positive return on their capital. As an investor myself, I understand the importance of reaping rewards from my investments. In the end, all businesses come down to profit.