do you think bootstrapping as a first time founder to find some level of users or revenue is a better signal to VCs than just having a nice MVP and pitchdeck?

The way is long if one follows precepts, but short and helpful, if one follows patterns. 




https://dancecilia.com

It depends on what the idea is and whether early revenue is a risk inflector or not

yeah that’s probably right as a generic principle

Guess early stage really depends on the founder and the market. Knowing stuff will change. Still think early traction is a better indicator.