I've been reading about VC and all it entails for years now, and it always leaves me with a sketchy feeling. Pouring so much time and effort into chasing capital, and then giving up so much ownership and being on the hook for big returns once it's finally attained... seems like a sure way to suck the soul out of any business.

Not saying VC doesn't have a place in the world, but I get the sense that a lot of founders pursue VC just because that's what startups are "supposed" to do.