You could also pivot into something else. Here’s why: you’re not even at $1M ARR despite seeming to have a compelling business and early traction. It’s not “hard” to get there, which means investors see many companies there and beyond for seed. If this sale locks you up for a few years that’s a huge opportunity cost. I can tell you that I’ve personally witnessed major value changes in less time. I don’t regret saying no to local maximum acquisitions (~20M) in the early days because 1) I didn’t do this just to sell 2) I was confident we could be much more valuable, I just didn’t know what was possible. I was righh!
Though if you’re a sole shareholder or own a significant chunk of the company, $14M really is a lot. There’s a post out there showing how, for example, Arrington made more than Huffington on their respective sales despite Huffington Post selling for way more. Something to think about...
Finally, you’re in the drivers seat when it comes to customers. Something not scaling? Refuse to do it. You’d be surprised what wiggle room you can get when the buyer is motivated.
Though if you’re a sole shareholder or own a significant chunk of the company, $14M really is a lot. There’s a post out there showing how, for example, Arrington made more than Huffington on their respective sales despite Huffington Post selling for way more. Something to think about...
Finally, you’re in the drivers seat when it comes to customers. Something not scaling? Refuse to do it. You’d be surprised what wiggle room you can get when the buyer is motivated.