[jomamaxx]

"Where does that misplaced pride come from?"

I don't think it's misplaced at all.

There's no way 'not' to be 'married' to your startup.

For entrepreneurs, it's a 'life' investment, for VC's it's a calculation.

There is no doubt that VC's play an essential role.

There is also no doubt that VC's have incredible leverage in the situation. They also have completely different motivations.

A 'not wealthy' entrepreneur, who's trying to make something big, is in a very weak position compared to very wealthy VC's, who can opt to chose the pick of the litter.

The personal attitude and objectives among most VC's is very, very different than that of entrepreneurs.

VC is definitely capital. They are bankers first. Most entrepreneurs have broader objectives. That plays out in the deal.

Finally - VC's see deals all day, every day, and know all of the tactics. Most entrepreneurs go through one set of deals in their entire lives.

It's like playing a single hand of poker against someone who plays all day, every day.