[foglorn]

I worked for a startup that had bootstrapped but eventually received VC funding. The culture change was palpable, which I can only attribute to influence from the VCs. Everything became about growth, growth, growth - which really sucked the enjoyment out the work. I and several others ended up quitting.

If you're satisfied with being paid to solve clients' problems - which is a very common and in my opinion positive mindset, whether one is a business owner or an employee - then if I were you, I'd just stick with that. You've already achieved something to be very proud of!

It sounds like your "Silicon Valley" type friends have ideologically bought in to a pipedream. Please be true to yourself and your own beliefs and try not to succumb to peer pressure, is my advice.