$32M Exit: Left the U.S., Built a $15K/Month Life in Japan

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Apr 1, 2025

Eran Galperin, founder of a successful SaaS company for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms, shares his journey from a modest $15K to a spectacular $32.5 million exit. He discusses the power of bootstrapping over venture capital and the slow growth process that led to his success. Eran reveals his decision to move to Japan for a balanced lifestyle and financial security, diving into the costs and adjustments of his new life. He also reflects on the emotional landscape after selling his company and why he continues to engage with early-stage founders.

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ANECDOTE

Early Ventures and FIRE

Eran Galperin, driven by a desire for independence, started multiple startups, facing initial failures.
Despite setbacks, he persevered, bootstrapping a SaaS company while working as a CTO.

INSIGHT

FIRE Mindset

The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) methodology resonated with Eran's desire for control.
He meticulously calculated his retirement needs, setting evolving benchmarks.

ADVICE

Bootstrap and Niche Down

Combine bootstrapping with personal interests for long-term motivation.
Target niche markets within large, established industries with outdated tools.

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If you're a founder doing at least $3M/year in sales, check out Hampton: https://www.joinhampton.com/.

Eran Galperin bootstrapped a niche SaaS for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms, sold it for $32.5 million, moved to Japan, and is now quietly living the FIRE dream — with a few luxury upgrades.

Here’s what we talk about:
- How Eran went from $15K in the bank to a $32M exit (with 90% equity!)
- Why he ignored VCs and chose to bootstrap — and how it paid off years later
- The long, slow ramp: 4 years to $12K MRR, 8 years to $3M ARR
- The FIRE mindset that guided his financial decisions from day one
- How and why he moved to Japan — including taxes, cost of living, and lifestyle
- What it actually cost to move abroad and build a luxury home in Tokyo
- His full post-exit portfolio breakdown (hint: most of it’s in index funds)
- What it’s like working after the exit — and why he’s still showing up
- The one splurge that changed his mindset about spending
- The emotional reality of selling your company — and why it felt more like relief than celebration
- Why he's mentoring early-stage founders and learning real estate development — just for fun

Cool Links:
Hampton https://www.joinhampton.com/
Lower Street https://www.lowerstreet.co/
FIRE Subreddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Fire/?rdt=37862
fatFIRE Subreddit https://www.reddit.com/r/fatFIRE/

Chapters:
(00:00) The $32 Million Exit
(01:48) Why FIRE
(08:31) The Slow SaaS Ramp of Death
(12:49) The Big Move to Japan
(14:32) Financial Optimization and the Exit Strategy
(19:05) The Final Deal: $32.5 Million Sale
(23:25) Financial Breakdown and Initial Investments
(26:03) Post-Exit Financial Planning
(28:19) Lifestyle Changes and Spending Habits
(33:49) Building a Dream Home in Tokyo
(38:52) Continued Work and New Ventures
(42:30) Final Thoughts and Future Plans

This podcast is a ridiculous concept: high-net-worth people reveal their personal finances.
Inspired by real conversations happening in the Hampton community.

Harry Morton
Founder of Lower Street, a podcast production company helping brands launch and grow top-tier podcasts.
Co-parents a cow named Eliza.