[codegeek]

If you take money in exchange for equity, that is NOT bootstrapping no matter what spin we put on it. If the business fails, founders are not personally liable to return that money that was raised from investors. That is not bootstrapping.

Bootstrapping is your ability to come up with money on your own or through loans etc which you are liable to pay back. If you don't you could lose your home. Investors don't come for your home when you lose their money.