2 days ago
- Founder Zeke Gabrielse received a seven-figure acquisition offer for Keygen, tempted by the promise of exponential growth and recognition.
- He struggled with the slow, linear growth of his bootstrapped business and felt left behind compared to fast-growing startups.
- The offer came at the cost of his freedom, including time with family, control over his work, and the calm lifestyle he values.
- He realized that boredom and loneliness are better addressed by slow hiring and careful growth, not by selling out for an ego boost.
- Zeke declined the offer, choosing to continue his linear path with Keygen as a calm, profitable business rather than a startup.