[blihp]

I think the majority of businesses actually do bootstrap / focus on organic growth that is self-funded. The reason you don't hear more about them is due to an entire industry existing around startups and as a result they (i.e. those in the startup industry including those running them) end up 'talking their book' as often and loudly as they can. There really isn't a comparable industry around lifestyle/slow-and-steady types of businesses. So when you see people hyping startups, follow the money and you'll often see what their motivation is. Usually it is self-interest rather than altruism that motivates the conversation.

[DataDisciple]

In LA, I would say its 100 to 1 that I meet that are building a business that requires outside capital. You make a good point on the industry that surrounds venture-backed companies, and the accompanying noise, but it just feels like there is a massive segment of the market that is getting overlooked.