Vinay Hiremath, the Indian-origin co-founder of Loom, opened up about his struggles after selling his startup for a staggering $975 million to Atlassian in 2023. Despite achieving extraordinary financial success, Hiremath revealed feelings of confusion and insecurity in a candid blog post titled, “I am rich and I have no idea what to do with my life.”
Struggles After Success
In his blog, Hiremath described the unique challenges of having financial freedom but lacking a clear purpose. “After selling my company, I find myself in the totally un-relatable position of never having to work again. Everything feels like a side quest, but not in an inspiring way. I have infinite freedom, yet I don’t know what to do with it,” he wrote, clarifying that his intention wasn’t to boast or seek sympathy.
Apology to His Ex-Girlfriend
Hiremath also shared personal struggles, including the end of a two-year relationship with his girlfriend, which he attributed to his own insecurities. “If my ex is reading this: Thank you for everything. I am sorry I couldn’t be what you needed me to be,” he wrote, offering a heartfelt apology.
Turning Down a $60 Million Package
Even after being offered a lucrative $60 million pay package as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Atlassian, Hiremath struggled with the decision. He felt unsure about continuing in the tech industry and began exploring new ventures.
Dreams of Becoming the Next Elon Musk
Hiremath attempted to start a robotics company, meeting with investors and experts. However, the experience left him uninspired. Reflecting on this phase, he admitted, “It started to dawn on me that what I actually wanted was to look like Elon, and that is incredibly cringe. It hurts to even type this out.”
He even worked with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy for four weeks, describing the stint as a “blast” and an opportunity to collaborate with some of the smartest people he’d ever met.
Himalayas to Hawaii
Seeking adventure, the 33-year-old tried climbing the Himalayas despite having no prior experience. The trip ended in illness and a rescue operation. Now in Hawaii, Hiremath is focusing on learning physics. “Why? The reason I tell myself is to build up my first principles foundation so I can start a company that manufactures real-world things,” he concluded.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Vinay Hiremath’s story highlights the challenges that can come with sudden wealth and success. His openness offers a glimpse into the emotional complexities of life after financial freedom and the ongoing quest to find meaning.
