You want to get a billion-dollar IPO? Here are the dos and don'ts when it comes to startup funding: Dos: ✅ Start Small↳ Investing your personal resources lays the foundation↳ And adds credibility to your idea ✅ Welcome Early Support↳ External investors can recognize your startup's potential.↳ Their support can be crucial going from idea to realization. ✅ Embrace Growth Phases↳ Focus on refining and scaling your business as your startup matures through Series A, Series B, and beyond.↳ Accept equity dilution as a part of growth.↳ Increase your company's valuation and attractiveness to potential investors. Don't: ❌ Underestimate Your Idea↳ Your belief in your startup is essential because if you don't believe in it, why would anyone else? ❌ Overlook External Investors↳ Early financial backing can give your startup the push it needs to gain momentum. ❌ Fear Equity Dilution↳ Although dilution may seem like a loss, it's necessary for growth.↳ As your company's valuation increases, your smaller piece of the pie becomes much more valuable. Navigating from a $100k idea to a $1.15B IPO isn't easy, but with the right idea, team, and support, it can be achieved.