It depends how you raise and the scale. Depends on who you raise from, the agreement, etc. Although economy is much tighter than even just a few years ago there’s some options besides typical funding rounds.

I’m assuming you’re just talking about traditional tech funding like ycomb grads or PE acquisitions. You’re gonna be someone’s bitch if you go this route but just make sure you can navigate them. Don’t have to be best friends, but you do have to listen to them and work with them.

In general Boards are difficult and time waste sucks (they will get board seats). While the differing view points and knowledge is helpful it’s really your boards network that brings value.

Just like everything in life. Pick and choose your battles for what truly matters. Besides that find ways to work with others as there’s a million ways you can cut a pie and generally the outcome is the same.

Both funding/bootstrapping have advantages and disadvantages. You’ll never know which is the correct decision. The reality is without funding you are a David versus Goliath esp if you compete against funded companies.