I hate taking risks, but wanted entrepreneurship badly, I have kids/family, do not care about fast growth. My less risky path was:
- Save 12 months of personal expenses/ regular salary before starting. Anyone in software can do it.
- nothing to lose if it fails after 12 months, just a nice line on my resume, lots of lessons learned, I can monetize later.
- my main goal was to keep a 12 months money window ahead of me, everything I bring in helps me extend that window for another month, hopefully every month.
- It helped me to plan long term, not to be in a rush, not to be afraid quoting higher prices, not feeling a gun on my head, sleep at night, stay married, see my kids.
- Going strong after 5 years.
- I think fewer people should raise money, give up equity, and more should start less risky businesses in software.
- Go outside the Valley, try to disconnect from the "startup" myth, and embrace the small business one. Be happy, and rich.