Did you choose to bootstrap or go the funding route and why?

Today's Product Hunt lineup genuinely surprised me in the best way.

TL;DR: As @aaronoleary said – one or more companies launching today will get a YC interview – and potentially funding.

As I was browsing through some of those who didn't apply [because we can see it in the dashboard], I kept wondering – why didn't they?

I've always come from a bootstrapped background, because:

• I saw it as a great deal of freedom in direction and decision-making

• I wasn't under pressure to overdeliver

• I didn't have to share extensively with anyone

But VC has its advantages too:

• You grow faster with capital behind you

• You gain the prestige of having someone reputable backing you

• You get advice from board members and specialists

• You become part of a community with various benefits

Which path did you choose, and what was your strong "why"?