Somehow, we’ve made entrepreneurship all about the exit. We’ve narrowed the definition of success down to the multiple achieved, and in the process, we’ve corrupted its true power.

Entrepreneurship is about change, impact, improvement, innovation, and generational wealth creation. Most founders don’t start because they want a big exit; they do it because it has meaning, and not doing it seems like the more considerable risk. They do it to have an impact and to create opportunities for themselves and their families.

We impregnate entrepreneurs with the thought that a big exit is the goal. It places the focus on building great brands that are not supported by good businesses. It emphasizes growth rather than profitability. 

I hear various answers when I ask founders what they want, but they rarely talk to me about an exit. I polled some of the entrepreneurs in our community, and this is what I told me:

“I want to be profitable.”

“I’d like to be able to keep my family’s lights on.”

“I want to be profitable with 20% YOY growth.”

“I want to feel more in control.”

“I want to be sustainable.”

“I want to focus on growing my business rather than funding it.”

“I want to be clear on our company’s vision and strategy.”

“I’d like to create a lasting impact on the health of our population.”

“I’d like to know how this story ends.”

“I would like sustainable and profitable growth, a great team, and to help others grow.”

“I would like to help people eat better because I believe that together, we can eat the world better.”

“I’d like to be able to sleep peacefully at night.”

“I’d like to find real investors who want to support a brand in its ups and downs and understand it doesn’t take minimal investment or two years to create a sustainable/profitable business.”

“I’d like to keep improving… to do better… to make good.”

“I’d like to feel supported and be able to focus on moving the company forward, or the things that I’m good at, rather than being overwhelmed by daily management and decision making.”

The above is entrepreneurship with all its glory, messiness, angst, and opportunity. The exit doesn’t define success; the impact and journey do.

Rather than the exit, I want entrepreneurs focused on raising aligned capital and becoming profitable faster. I want them to work to achieve sustainable growth and make fewer mistakes. I want them to meet with the right buyers and investors. I want them to belong to a community of their peers and to become capital-efficient and resilient. I want them to be Tardigrades, not Unicorns.

Most of you have chosen this path to make a difference, to do something special. It takes a toll, putting pressure on you, those you work with, and those you love. Don’t lose sight of the “why.” Don’t allow the exit mindset to corrupt you.