Episode 617 | News Roundup: Profitwell $200M Exit, Spreadsheet Mentality, and Watching an Acquirer Ruin Your Company
Aug 23, 2022
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Einar Vollset, a bootstrapper expert, and Tracy Osborn, an online business guru, dive into a whirlwind of startup insights. They discuss the recent $200 million exit of ProfitWell and its implications on founders. The duo critiques the "spreadsheet mentality" in business, advocating for a blend of data with qualitative insights. They also share practical money tips—like whether you can truly afford to buy something twice—and emphasize the delicate balance founders must strike between optimism and realism for sustained success.
ProfitWell's $200 million exit demonstrates that bootstrapped businesses can achieve significant success and inspire other entrepreneurs.
The dangers of 'spreadsheet mentality' highlight the necessity of balancing quantifiable metrics with qualitative aspects in business success.
Deep dives
Microconf Europe 2022 Details
Microconf Europe 2022 is scheduled for November 15th to 17th at the Intercontinental in Malta, featuring limited capacity which makes it smaller than previous events. The importance of attending is highlighted as attendees can gain access to valuable insights from industry leaders. Notably, Guillaume Mubech, founder and CEO of Lemlist, will be one of the speakers, representing success in bootstrapped businesses with eight figures in annual recurring revenue. More details and ticket purchasing options are available at microconf.com/Europe.
ProfitWell's Significant Exit
ProfitWell recently completed a noteworthy acquisition for over $200 million, challenging the perception that bootstrapped businesses cannot achieve significant success. Patrick, the founder, discussed how the deal included a blend of cash and stock, showcasing that successful outcomes can arise without requiring heavy venture capital investment. Such a large exit serves to inspire other bootstrap entrepreneurs and reinforce the notion that ambitious growth is possible from humble beginnings. The conversation indicates a broader recognition of bootstrap successes, contributing to a shifting narrative in the startup ecosystem.
The Risks of Acquisitions
The complexities and potential pitfalls of company acquisitions are explored, particularly focusing on cases where the acquiring company might mismanage the acquired entity. Founders may feel a sense of loss when they observe the decline of their original business post-acquisition, often grappling with decisions made by the new owners. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the inherent risks involved in the acquisition process, as founders relinquish control and decision-making authority. This situation brings to light the emotional toll on founders who transition their ideas to larger corporate environments.
The Spreadsheet Mentality in Business
The concept of 'spreadsheet mentality' is critiqued for potentially limiting a business's effectiveness by overemphasizing metrics that can be easily quantified while neglecting qualitative aspects that are harder to measure. This approach can dilute the importance of soft skills and company culture, which significantly contribute to a team's success. Critics express that while metrics are essential, focusing solely on quantifiable data can lead to ineffectiveness and hinder innovation. The conversation points to the need for a balanced approach that equally values both measurable performance and the intangible elements that drive a business forward.
In episode 617, Einar Vollset and Tracy Osborn join Rob Walling for a bootstrapper news roundup episode. They cover a wide range of topics from ProfitWell’s big 200 million exit, spreadsheet mentality, watching an acquirer ruin your company, and much more.
Topics we cover:
[3:06] What’s your take on ProfitWell’s acquisition?
[5:52] Watching an acquirer ruin your company
[14:03] The spreadsheet mentality
[23:09] If you can’t buy it twice, don’t buy it
[36:00] Balancing realism with optimism as a founder
If you have questions about starting or scaling a software business that you’d like for us to cover, please submit your question for an upcoming episode. We’d love to hear from you.