I've yet to write the apparently obligatory 'Top 10' list for VCs or entrepreneurs. My one abortive attempt in that direction did yield a slogan that seems apropos here. Let's call it Tim's Tautology:

"If you can get venture capital, you'd better take it."

Like all slogans, it's oversimplified. It tries to capture one essential issue: If you're creating a business in a market that fits the VC model, one of your competitors will take the money. And use it against you.