Online free content is boosting offline sales. New intermediaries, new competitors, new impetus. Realtime fraud checking a priority. Massive scale, integrated stack, continuous realtime are the technology bets for the future. The fundamentals of the 'old' economy are the same for the 'new' economy.
Critical mass is better than being the first mover.
Always meet funding expectations, but firstly set them correctly. Tax and financial planning must be integrated with the current business plan. Marketing is no longer a broadcast, it's a conversation. Knowledge capital is the critical asset. Get as much funding as you can, as early as you can.