Seems to me that when you get funded by a Venture Capital then it's quite certain that those VCs are looking for an exit (via acquisition or IPO). This seems to be in the majority. Are you making a startup for the purpose of selling it later or are you in it for the purpose of personal regular/scalable income? Despite the this "exit" trend, I think there are also those simple startup guys who's in it for the purpose of long term regular business income (dividends). What's your own financial goal? - Exit (Acquisition/IPO) - Regular scalable income