@Daojoan - I completely agree with examining the VC model and not assuming it's the best (or only) option for all ventures, but I'm not sure I agree on your distribution point - in 2007 my colleagues and I were able to get our app into the hands of millions of people through organic SEO, which I don't think would be possible now - the gatekeepers have more control now, and are better at monetising. I also feel that funding needs are very dependent on stage - I agree that it's now possible to run very lean up to roughly series A level (i.e. initial evidence of product market fit), but it's less clear that that extends to the same extent to growth phases. VC also isn't homogeneous - the massive, generalist funds are a lot more visible, but there are many smaller funds, and crucially many more specialist firms (including the one I work with), who in my opinion do provide plenty of non-financial added value. Pursuing growth at all costs is a response to a specific perceived dynamic of markets for digital products - it's easy to characterise it as simplistic, but I do think that there's a bit more nuance that, and thinking has evolved over the years.