I think your plan is good, to keep it with the original people as long as possible and retain control. You know your products, and the big money people just come in and change things, often for the worse. If it’s an option, I would be more tempted by a bank loan, at least you know they’ll stay out of it.
You can consider my $5 pre-payment for a pint of beer when I come to Alabama, which should be right around the 30th of February next double leap year. 