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Vinay Hiremath on rediscovering purpose after selling startup for $975 million
In a candid blog post titled "I am rich and I have no idea what to do with my life," Hiremath reflected on the challenges of adapting to life after achieving immense financial success.
Vinay Hiremath / Image- Instagram
The Indian-American co-founder of Loom, Vinay Hiremath, has shared his struggle with finding purpose after selling his video messaging startup to Atlassian for $975 million in 2023.
In a candid blog post titled "I am rich and I have no idea what to do with my life," Hiremath reflected on the challenges of adapting to life after achieving immense financial success.
"Life has been a haze this last year," he wrote. "After selling my company, I find myself in the totally un-relatable position of never having to work again. Everything feels like a side quest, but not in an inspiring way."
Despite having financial freedom, Hiremath admitted to feeling uncertain about his direction, adding, "I don’t have the same base desires driving me to make money or gain status."
Difficult Choices Post-Acquisition
Following the sale of Loom, Hiremath faced the decision of whether to remain with Atlassian, where he was offered a $60 million package to stay on as chief technology officer. After a period of reflection in California's redwood forests, he chose to leave.
"What is the point of money if it is not for freedom?" he questioned in his blog, explaining his decision to step away from the corporate world in search of something more meaningful.
Personal Losses and Hardships
Hiremath also opened up about personal challenges, including the breakup of his two-year relationship. He described the experience as "extremely painful" but necessary, citing his insecurities as a contributing factor. In an apology addressed to his former partner, he wrote, "Thank you for everything. I am sorry I couldn’t be what you needed me to be."
Seeking new ventures, Hiremath briefly considered starting a robotics company aimed at creating humanoid machines. However, he soon realized the endeavor was not aligned with his true interests. "What I actually wanted was to look like Elon [Musk], and that is incredibly cringe," he admitted.
Testing Limits in the Himalayas and Washington, D.C.
In search of purpose, Hiremath embarked on a high-altitude trek in the Himalayas despite having no prior mountaineering experience. The journey, which included bouts of altitude sickness and physical exhaustion, helped him reconnect with the value of undertaking challenging endeavors. "It is the heartbeat of my life," he reflected.
Hiremath also briefly joined an initiative in Washington, D.C., aimed at addressing government inefficiencies, describing the experience as "intense and intoxicating." However, he eventually left the role, realizing it would not resolve his personal uncertainties.
New Focus on Learning
Now 33, Hiremath has relocated to Hawaii, where he is studying physics. He explained his decision as a way to build a foundational understanding for future ventures but emphasized that the act of learning itself has become his focus. "If this means I’ll never do something as spectacular as Loom, so be it," he concluded.
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