[jdoliner]

> This assumes that (a) they need the money and/or (b) they could even do something they want to do with the money that they aren't already doing.

edit: I realized my response references a different comment I made. Sorry about that, I've modified it.

If there's nothing you could do with the money then I agree it makes no sense to spend time and energy raising. That doesn't seem to be the OPs position though, instead there seems to be a moral reason for not raising money. I'm not arguing that all startups must be nurtured by VCs, just that saying there's no conditions under which you'll accept money from a VC isn't a rational stance.

[sanderjd]

I'm not sure where you read all of that into OP's comment. I don't read it as there being a moral reason, I read it as them thinking they have better things to do right now than to seek or even entertain finding offers. Taking other people's money is a total pain in the rear, and worth avoiding if you can build the company you want to build without it.

[rurounijones]

Since, in my mind anyway, a lot of companies that take VC money appear to be acquihired or bought out and have their services shuttered: As a customer, seeing them not taking VC money is a plus in my book. VC money adds uncertainty to the long-term viability of the company.

[ethnomusicolog]

I don't want to go into the details of this specific case. I just want to point that what you call rational is in itself a set of values someone has to suscribe to. It is a moral decision. It just happen to be the most common.

[xapata]

"not entirely sure" doesn't sound like an obstinate position.