// Don’t Raise If… (Post 3 of 5)

Don’t raise if you can’t handle outside pressure or give up control.

Taking outside capital isn’t just about cash.

It comes with huge expectations.

When you raise, you’re signing up for:

* Regular updates and reporting

* Feedback you may not agree with

* Pressure to grow faster than you might want

* Potentially less control over decisions

* The real possibility of being replaced

None of this means you’re doing a bad job.

It’s part of taking outside capital.

It means you’re no longer the only one calling the shots.

Some founders thrive with this kind of accountability.

Others hate it.

You need to know which one you are before you cash the check.

Raising money is a relationship that begins when you cash the check.

So, make sure you want a long-term partner.