My hypothesis: there is a direct correlation between the lack of traction (and thus funding) you (or anyone else complaining) and the amount of time spent reading, posting, etc across these myriad forums and media outlets.

My hope is that no employees have viewed their founders-officers citing gender, race, lack of VC interest, or location as insurmountable hurdles to funding and success.

VCs fund people, products/solutions, markets, timing and traction. If you have met “many VCs” and still not funded clearly somethings off; you’re missing at least one of the above, or you’re not a venture deal (big-swing). Period.

As a leader go get the resources you need to help your team execute and your stakeholders win. Move to Kathmandu, recruit your replacement, pivot, do whatever it takes.

How many high-value CEO hours were spent across these digital forums in stream-of-conscious rants and engaging entrepreneurial pornography?

Lead, follow or get out of the way. The opportunity cost of your employees’ time and investors' capital should be your driving force.

My advice: go to CA and get VC $$ or bend the knee and sell for what you can… earning the respect (or at least avoid disdain) of your team and investors. Then enter the arena again better, smarter, faster on your next start-up. You can’t control Austin but you can control your own actions.

I’m sure your investors will help support you. As one of them, Hell… I’ll help pack your Uhaul.