Well we're screwed, then, because it's turtles all the way down: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel#Origins

VC cash is great for business that want to be infrastructure for the world. VC cash is a tool, to build a certain kind of large business. You just have to recognize that.

I didn't get the feeling that the point was he didn't benefit (directly or indirectly) from VC funding at all. Only that he was able to remain competitive with companies that were VC funded.

There is a big difference between having direct competitors that are VC backed versus using infrastructure that is VC backed.

I think the parent's point is that he's built his company on a VC-backed foundation. Not saying it's valid (I have no clue about this business or how it's built), but it seems he's trying to say this is a bit like Space-X claiming to be beating NASA at space travel.