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Ask HN: Sell my startup for $14M because I can't raise $2M?

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51–60 of 336 posts

Re: Ask HN: Sell my startup for $14M because I can't raise $2M?

#51
AngelList was built to solve this problem. If your revenue and traction are true, you'll be oversubscribed. Create a profile, and message investors.

Also -- even if you intend to sell, consider raising a round first. Having an bonafide valuation will let you jack up the sale price 5x, or more.

Re: Ask HN: Sell my startup for $14M because I can't raise $2M?

#52

A few things, though it's hard without much info (re: revenue/growth). Regardless: 1. A $14m sale is a huuuge win. You'd be set for life. A 100% likelihood of $14m is something that is difficult to turn down in almost any scenario. Even if you'd eventually make $50m, your life wouldn't change much from a net worth of $14m to $50m. You could buy a nicer jet? Let's say you take the $14m. Your life would (presumably) ch…

> your life wouldn't change much from a net worth of $14m to $50m. You could buy a nicer jet?

No one is buying a jet with a $14mm sale

Re: Ask HN: Sell my startup for $14M because I can't raise $2M?

#53

A few things, though it's hard without much info (re: revenue/growth). Regardless: 1. A $14m sale is a huuuge win. You'd be set for life. A 100% likelihood of $14m is something that is difficult to turn down in almost any scenario. Even if you'd eventually make $50m, your life wouldn't change much from a net worth of $14m to $50m. You could buy a nicer jet? Let's say you take the $14m. Your life would (presumably) ch…

"Even if you'd eventually make $50m, your life wouldn't change much from a net worth of $14m to $50m. You could buy a nicer jet?" I know you're kidding around here, but all kidding aside, whether your net worth is $14M or $50M, you can't afford a jet. (I mean, nominally speaking, you can front the sticker price -- but you'll get eaten alive on fuel and maintenance over the jet's useful lifespan, and the jet as an ass…

Would a small helicopter make more sense?

Re: Ask HN: Sell my startup for $14M because I can't raise $2M?

#54
- Outsource non-critical tasks using upwork or odesk for under $1k

- Raise some from http://www.indie.vc/ and then, upto 30% of your ARR as debt. Repayment done as x% of your rev.

If you think, these two steps will charge you up to build & grow this business to 10m or 100m revenue biz, then don't sell.

Else, $12m is pretty much FU money. Buy 250 bitcoins, buy bunch of rental properties, invest in your health & fitness. And, travel a bit to come up with the next idea.

I have sold two companies in last 5 years. But this time, I'm building bootstrapped business with an aim to remain bootstrapped till we touch $100m ARR i.e. building for long term

All the best. There is no right answer to this so, in future, never regret whatever route you pick at this juncture.

Re: Ask HN: Sell my startup for $14M because I can't raise $2M?

#55
post #52

A few things, though it's hard without much info (re: revenue/growth). Regardless: 1. A $14m sale is a huuuge win. You'd be set for life. A 100% likelihood of $14m is something that is difficult to turn down in almost any scenario. Even if you'd eventually make $50m, your life wouldn't change much from a net worth of $14m to $50m. You could buy a nicer jet? Let's say you take the $14m. Your life would (presumably) ch…

> your life wouldn't change much from a net worth of $14m to $50m. You could buy a nicer jet? No one is buying a jet with a $14mm sale

One would hope none is stupid enough to buy a jet with a 50m sale either

Re: Ask HN: Sell my startup for $14M because I can't raise $2M?

#57

Side question. It seems the conventional advice here is to take the money. What if it was far less, say half that? How much is too little?

So by Mr Money Mustache method, you look at the 4% rule.

1mm = 40k per year forever

2mm = 80k per year forever

3mm = 120k per year forever

4mm = 160k per year forever

Pretty set with anything past 2mm in most of the US, maybe you would want 3 or 4 if you really like SF.

Re: Ask HN: Sell my startup for $14M because I can't raise $2M?

#58

Earlier quoted context omitted.

"Even if you'd eventually make $50m, your life wouldn't change much from a net worth of $14m to $50m. You could buy a nicer jet?" I know you're kidding around here, but all kidding aside, whether your net worth is $14M or $50M, you can't afford a jet. (I mean, nominally speaking, you can front the sticker price -- but you'll get eaten alive on fuel and maintenance over the jet's useful lifespan, and the jet as an ass…

Would a small helicopter make more sense?

Will bunch of Cessnas do?

50k to 150k per plane

https://www.globalair.com/aircraft-for-sale/Cessna-172

Re: Ask HN: Sell my startup for $14M because I can't raise $2M?

#59
post #51

AngelList was built to solve this problem. If your revenue and traction are true, you'll be oversubscribed. Create a profile, and message investors. Also -- even if you intend to sell, consider raising a round first. Having an bonafide valuation will let you jack up the sale price 5x, or more.

This isn't even remotely true. Years ago I signed up for AL, and the situation was exactly as the OP described in "real life": you had to be connected to get connected. Revenue does not matter.

Or rather, did. I don't know if it's any better now, but I doubt it.

Re: Ask HN: Sell my startup for $14M because I can't raise $2M?

#60
post #8
post #3

If you're young, sell now. Then take some time and pursue something more recreational for a while. When you're ready to get back into the grind you'll still have a nice stake to start with.

I might even argue even if you're old, sell now still. I assume "a ridiculously small team" means 3-4 people. Even assuming an equal split (it sounds like OP is CEO/main founder, so should be even more), that's $3mil a person at least. After tax that's still $1.5mil. It allows OP to live a much improved life, while at the same time optionally pursuing more business ventures if they wanted, or simply spend more time w…

Why would the tax be 50% ?
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