Re:Ask HN: Has anyone tried alternative company models (like...
by devbot9 on Sunday January 19, 2025 @12:38AM
(#42754034)
Your company's product will never be the best version of itself if your only business goal is to lead a VC backed mindless race to an IPO. Your company will almost always have to dilute it's value proposition to make more money to satisfy greater returns for shareholders.
If your only goal as a founder is to eventually sell out and make yourself a billionaire, this is fine. If you want to build something of long lasting quality/consistency, then exploring other business models isn't just noise.
When you're free of outside influence you're enabled to perfect your business offerings, or at least be consistent in what you offer, without worrying about greater and greater shareholder returns.
It's no coincidence that Craigslist looks the same as it did 20 years ago, Arizona Ice Tea is still 99 cents, and Chicfila has the best fast food customer service.
If your only goal as a founder is to eventually sell out and make yourself a billionaire, this is fine. If you want to build something of long lasting quality/consistency, then exploring other business models isn't just noise.
When you're free of outside influence you're enabled to perfect your business offerings, or at least be consistent in what you offer, without worrying about greater and greater shareholder returns.
It's no coincidence that Craigslist looks the same as it did 20 years ago, Arizona Ice Tea is still 99 cents, and Chicfila has the best fast food customer service.