I agree with Gleb&#x27;s point that there&#x27;s no shame in trying to achieve a small, profitable business instead of a shoot-for-the-moon billion dollar business, however, I don&#x27;t understand the &quot;if your VC-funded startup fails there is only downside for you&quot; attitude.<p>Some benefits of taking funding:<p>* you move financial risk off of yourself onto others 
  in exchange for a paycheck
* you can get the cash to start the business today
* you gain work experience, and probably get more 
  responsibility than you&#x27;d get at an &quot;entry level&quot; job