17 Comments
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Nitin Sharma's avatar

This is such a clear breakdown, Chris!

I love how you show that funding isn’t neutral—it shapes the kind of company you build, the pace you move at, and the people you work with.

The trade-offs you highlighted: control vs. speed, equity now vs. regret later, investor fit vs. FOMO are exactly the questions every founder should ask before signing a term sheet.

Too often, people chase money without thinking about how it changes their business and life.

For anyone choosing between bootstrapping, angels, or VC, this is a solid reminder: pick the path that fits your goals, values, and vision, not just the biggest check.

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Chris Tottman's avatar

People Don't underestimate how hard fundraising is BUT they frequently miss fire on where to get the best funding based on their particular situation. Thanks for sharing your brilliant comments 🌟

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Bandan Singh's avatar

Such a clear breakdown — really drives home that funding isn’t just money, it’s direction. Loved the founder-to-founder honesty.

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Chris Tottman's avatar

Thanks for sharing your wisdom 🌞 glad you liked it 🙏

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Daniel Abreu Marques's avatar

Amazing breakdown Chris!

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Chris Tottman's avatar

People get a little confused about the implied or explicit expectations are very different per investor. Glad you liked it

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Jeroen Coelen's avatar

Great overview! Thanks!

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Chris Tottman's avatar

Thanks Jeroen. We're excited about how the book is being received - 4 days old and people sending photos of them scribbling in the margins. Feels special that Founders are getting the same payback as our first Book 💙

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Devansh's avatar

Amazing advice. Really lovely book as well

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Devansh's avatar

I mean lovely work on the book

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Mike Goitein's avatar

Years of experience compressed into a punch post!

Important set of heuristics important for every founder to understand, Chris.

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Chris Tottman's avatar

Hundreds of month of building, distributing, leadership and fundraising - that's a lot to scar tissue! Thanks Mike ☺️

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Chintan Zalani's avatar

I love this. So simple and actionable with clearly broken down pathways. The book must be a bomb, totally a field guide.

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Chris Tottman's avatar

It's has 7 times as many playbooks as our first Book & people can check it out & find where it's available in their geography here - https://book-of-braindumps.com/ - Thanks for sharing your thoughts Chintan, much appreciated 🌞

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Chintan Zalani's avatar

Wow seven times is really leveling it up! I am gonna check out the website.

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Success Louis's avatar

Awesome and insightful !

This book is amazing 🔥

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Chris Tottman's avatar

Thanks - please post a photo of your book & tag me - that would be awesome ✨

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