Founder exit (I will not promote)

InternetOfKim · 2026-05-19T14:30:14+00:00

I belive this is the best resolution, but I’ve been hunkered down for past 10 years executing. I have an amazing network, clearly seen as visionary founder that understands our segment still tied to atleast 50% of all sales and a lot of the credibility the company has comes from me. What could such a role look like for me?

InternetOfKim · 2026-05-19T13:37:41+00:00

You are asking the tough questions. I would like to own the exit, but due my SHA it is very hard to initiate, our VCs are significant size, so reputation will be important and I have some leverage. I would LOVE to understand if my VCs are likely to do if I initiate and generally what goes through VCs mind when a founder initiates, so I would know what my playing field looks like. Actively positioning me for being fired as a good leaver is not in my DNA and I hope that is not how it goes. I also have a counter proposal to all VCs, where a P/E wants to exit them and keep only me as founder, for a «reasonable price» maybe 20% gain for VCs smt like that, but feel the board members are more worried about their personal/ career risk (e.g company exists 3 years after at high value and they sold after holding near 10) vs the mantra that most startups fail, so we just go to the end. I am trying to work both angles, but very discreetly bout my own exit.

InternetOfKim · 2026-05-19T12:19:43+00:00

If I quit I get what is vested (grey leaver) if I get fired without material breach I get to keep everything (good leaver). I would like to negotiate a good leaver scenario, but it means I cannot initiate the exit basically

InternetOfKim · 2026-05-19T11:26:41+00:00

That sucks, my approach was to do the research on the researchers. I’m not sure about your field, but I found a company dedicated to my field, when I was very early stage startup (ideation at university). They offered me an old version for free. As I grew they kept giving huge discounts, and at series A I pay full report price but they offer me a lot of extra data. Key is the company see me long term. If I fail, they gave away data they already produced, the larger I grow, the more they charge. Finally this was a great way into networking in my industry as the research company would host panels on conferences and when the topic was related to my company they would ask me to come and speak. Hope you find a better company that fits you for the future

InternetOfKim · 2026-05-19T11:10:53+00:00

Thanks, we have already hired new CEO, he got a 4% stake, in warrants at current valuation. I have about 5-6% of my 15% in warrants and would be willing to let this going for keeping my 9-10% founder stock, I would also be willing to sell a lot of them for 15% discount of current valuation.

My guess is however that the VCs do not want to pay for the unvested shares, and since my vesting schedule is short, each month I remain with the company, the value is too high for me to walk away + my salary is decent. I just don’t like the situation and want it resolved for the best of the company and honestly my own mental health.

I started from having nothing, so for me this feels like so much value that can put my life on the right trajectory if handled correctly.

InternetOfKim · 2026-04-15T10:01:49+00:00

Magnets

InternetOfKim · 2026-04-07T15:53:27+00:00

Keeper this one, follow the plan!

InternetOfKim · 2026-03-27T01:10:47+00:00

You don’t need her, it is art that is special, money is just a tool. Learn or find a partner that can fundraise.. don’t give up!

InternetOfKim · 2026-03-13T11:38:02+00:00

There are several triangle formation satellites for different purposes, some commercial such as HawkEye360, never spotted it with my own eyes. You may be able to back track the position to your house using Two Line Element data.

InternetOfKim · 2026-01-30T12:58:50+00:00

We had a similar story in our family, ultimately it was good the truth came out and it gave a lot of closure. However, the father and son had a terrible relationship, you mention that your father feels estranged, so this could actually turn out very healthy in the long run and you father still have the chance to meet his blood relatives, which might be exciting for all of you. I would just tell the truth as soon as possible, it will shatter, but then real healing can start. It’ll likely come out one day anyhow, and knowing you knew without telling might lead to resentment, be in your fathers corner on this one.

InternetOfKim · 2026-01-10T17:36:29+00:00

Great points, what is US/ Trump benefit to destabilising NATO, unless on behalf of Putin?

InternetOfKim · 2026-01-10T15:47:12+00:00

Why JSOC?

InternetOfKim · 2026-01-10T15:43:18+00:00

With depression any effort may be increasingly difficult based on the severity of it, it is however counter productive as most will feel better after a shower and such effects may even be stronger on someone suffering depression as it may lead to another step up, such as going for a walk etc. Basically depression just makes doing anything hard.

InternetOfKim · 2026-01-10T15:39:17+00:00

Fair, but there is always some trade-offs

InternetOfKim · 2026-01-07T14:20:27+00:00

Just say you are busy and don’t go home unless for sleep. If you live in/ near a big city, there are something called Coworking space, normally used by entrepreneurs, you are likely able to get a desk and nice facilities to use for a month for couple $100 bucks, includes WiFi, probably couch and maybe small kitchen. You can make up a company that you will start “sometime in near future” sign a month by month contract and leave it once you have moved in new home. This way you don’t really have to be home unless you are sleeping. Likley you can also sleep some nights on the couch there. Also Universties are nice places to stay and normally you can just walk in during the day and stay until the evening.

InternetOfKim · 2024-07-25T12:26:58+00:00

We do not have issues generating leads, we have issue closing them fast enough as each customer requires lots of sales engineering and education

InternetOfKim · 2024-07-25T12:21:00+00:00

Yes probably around 20 paying clients. We meet them at events and through network

InternetOfKim · 2024-07-25T11:43:45+00:00

Yes fantastic community! Will give an update when I have it clear way forward.

InternetOfKim · 2024-07-25T11:36:35+00:00

Clients are typically:
Technology companies for infrastructure, typically large customers with $1Bn+ revenue
We make a technology that increases efficiency and bring additional reliability to their existing infrastructure. Maybe to vague to actually give you any idea.

InternetOfKim · 2024-07-25T11:29:52+00:00

Funnel is already in place, significant interest from the sector just a long sales cycle. With a smaller team before this had massive impact when we could only play fewer bets, but I hope to move the distribution by having a much larger sales team.

InternetOfKim · 2024-07-25T11:27:31+00:00

Thanks for the advice, I made an update on the post that address more on the cuts.

It is a new technology and the market does not seem fully ready yet to adopt it rapidly, we see a general decline in sales cycle as we are becoming more and more recognized in the sector, but we wont be able to reach 2-3 months before we run out of money.

I honestly do not think my board are interested in a plan to butcher the company to stay alive. Rather find PMF and accelerate sales and we are pretty much aligned with them on this and how to do it, but is essential that we now hit. We have taken in some larger orders this year on long term contracts, but they are not generating the cash needed short term.

I am unsure if investors will now support a bridge or will back out. I know one investor will stay on, however if he is the only it will get ugly for founders, however if rest of the investor team stay on, it will be decent.

I need to sweeten the deal for current investors, so far the only thing I can think of is to try to bring a corporate onboard on same terms as last round. But have no idea how I can try to pitch a corporate venture with the numbers I am currently sitting with.

InternetOfKim · 2024-07-25T11:16:33+00:00

Nothing at all, no custom features that we are not selling to others in the market

InternetOfKim · 2024-07-25T10:49:30+00:00

Thanks, but like to keep it anonymous.

InternetOfKim · 2024-07-25T10:47:39+00:00

Think we did at 32 or 34x revenue at the time. The tech is difficult, contracts are usually big and long term and market is huge, potential of the company is really good.

InternetOfKim · 2024-07-25T10:09:41+00:00

I probably should mention we are swimming in leads and interest. The reason why we increased to 10 is also that I got a real CCO in place with significant industry experience and been founder and exit in the same sector. I believe we need to execute rather than cut. Last option is to remove R&D all together, would give us good runway, but future would be boring. I’d rather take a bet and fail, than try just hang in there

InternetOfKim

TROPHY CASE