Vinay Hiremath, an Indian-origin entrepreneur and co-founder of Loom, which was sold to Atlassian for $975 million in 2023, recently shared his personal struggles with insecurity despite his newfound wealth. In a blog post titled “I am rich, and I have no idea what to do with my life,” Hiremath candidly reflected on his challenges in finding purpose after the sale of his company.
In the article, he writes, “Life has been a haze this last year. I am grateful for everything, but my work has become shallow and meaningless. I don’t have any passions outside of my work, and I can’t figure out how to fill that void.”
He goes on to describe how he was feeling after the sale of his company, which was similar to sending your children off to college for the first time. “You put your heart and soul into building your company, so when you sell it, you are letting go of that part of yourself, and it is painful,” he writes. The post then shares some ways he is attempting to overcome this loss and fill his void, including reading many books and trying new things. He even went so far as to climb two of the highest peaks in the Himalayas.
It’s not uncommon for entrepreneurs to experience a sense of loss after exiting their businesses. It’s important to remember that these feelings are normal, and it is possible to find a new purpose. It is also helpful to seek out communities of people who have gone through similar experiences and can offer support.
Despite these challenges, entrepreneurs should know they’re not alone in their struggles and can always turn to their loved ones for support. In addition, it’s important to prioritize personal growth and seek opportunities that align with your values and aspirations.
The entrepreneurship and small business community is growing globally, and India has one of the largest diaspora populations. As a result, we’re seeing more and more entrepreneurs of Indian origin transforming their communities and impacting the world.
