What's changed is the stability of our reality. Products (web-based in particular) can launch earlier, pivot more frequently, and do so in increasingly dynamic environments. The risk in extrapolating our models too far is locking in ideas that aren't real. Trying to fake understanding by creating a model is both futile and a huge waste of resources.

Whatever we do, it's best to try first to understand reality, model it, and then project the future. And if that looks good, go raise the capital you need from the best investors you can. Until then, keep focused on the product and understanding the reality of what it does.