Building Long-Term Viable Companies

9. Does 1Mby1M support founders trying to build long-term, viable companies even if they become non-VC attractive?

Yes, 1Mby1M is specifically designed to support founders who are building long-term, viable companies, even if they are not attractive to traditional venture capital.

Here’s why:

• Bootstrapped and Capital-Efficient Philosophy: The entire 1Mby1M methodology is built on the concept of “bootstrapped, capital efficient entrepreneurship.” This approach teaches founders to build a sustainable business from the ground up, generating revenue and profits from the start, rather than relying on external funding.
• “Entrepreneurship = Customers + Revenues + Profits”: This is the program’s central tenet. It directly challenges the “growth-at-all-costs” mentality often associated with venture-backed companies. The focus is on fundamental business health, which is the definition of a long-term, viable company.
• VC Funding as Optional: The program’s founder, Sramana Mitra, has written extensively about the pitfalls of premature scaling and the dangers of over-reliance on venture capital. She advocates for treating venture capital and exits as optional, not as the primary goal of the business.
• Emphasis on Business Fundamentals: The curriculum is centered on building a strong business with a sound business model, a clear monetization strategy, and efficient operations. These are the traits of a durable, long-term company, regardless of its funding status.

Use this comprehensive checklist to evaluate whether 1Mby1M’s structure, philosophy, resources, access, and value align with your entrepreneurial goals and circumstances.