We want to build a product. We will build it, investors or not. We are not in it for the cash. We are in it for the positive impact.
This is the opposite of what investors want -- one of the reasons I'm a serial bootstrapper. Your attitude will either repel VCs, or they'll invest anyway and force you to make short-term decisions to maximize revenue.
I don't think the VC route would be easy for you, nor would it make you happy. Good for you! Look for info on how to bootstrap instead.
Investors are a painful crowd to deal with, very sneaky leagalease and make it easy to lose your product/company, esp if it gets any traction.
The investor third party doesn't want what you or your clients want.
You want to build a good product that people like and use.
Clients want a good product.
Investors want to increase capital.
So, while you and clients walk a path, together. The investor is there for a different reason.
And that reason can create uncomfortable situations.
You and the clients can solve problems together.
How does the investor solve their issue? Where does their increase in capital come from? Your time and your clients money.
Generally the idea is that investors accelerate growth. In most businesses, you don't even want investors. But startups are high capital and exponential profitability. Exponential means it's very slow and doesn't cover living costs for a while.
If you want half a million dollars, the fastest way to do it is to open a restaurant, do dropshipping, maybe even consulting. Many bootstrappers do so. There's a hidden cost - it sucks away all your focus. Investors are a hack around this.
You go to an investor because you don't want to spend a year consulting, and you want to take risks that don't cost you a couple years savings. The investor goes to you because you're a better deal than crypto or S&P 500.