---
title: 'Cofounder of Rose City Robotics on why bootstrapping works'
date: '2025-02-11T08:36:15-08:00'
type: post
word_count: 223
char_count: 1541
tokens: 290
categories:
  - Portland
---

# Cofounder of Rose City Robotics on why bootstrapping works

[Duncan Miller](https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncantmiller/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_pulse_read%3Byb0im9WbROyK10h071gs9A%3D%3D), the cofounder of [Rose City Robotics](https://rosecityrobotics.com/), has had significant experience with bootstrapping startups. But lately, he’s also had the opportunity to take a seat on the other side of the table — as an investor. Bringing these two perspectives together, Duncan shares why [bootstrapping works for founders but VC works for investors](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/vc-dilemma-why-bootstrapping-works-founders-investors-duncan-miller-jwipc/).

> I’ve been a bootstrapped founder for over 20 years. I’ve built 3 successful companies and many more failures. But I’ve managed to make a living and maintain control over my own destiny all without raising any investor capital.
> 
> Recently, I explored the VC path with Rose City Robotics. I had conversations, customer discovery, pitch competitions and weighed the pros and cons, and ultimately decided that venture capital wasn’t the right fit for me.

If you’re a founder debating whether to continue bootstrapping or pursue VC, Duncan’s insights — and pros and cons — are well worth the read.

For more, visit “[The VC Dilemma: Why Bootstrapping Works for Founders but VC Works for Investors](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/vc-dilemma-why-bootstrapping-works-founders-investors-duncan-miller-jwipc/)” on LinkedIn.

More Portland startup news
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