> "Not everyone thinks about their company this way. I have a good friend who is running a very successful startup with a fantastic future ahead. He told me – and I quite believe him – that he would sell the company for a billion dollars over his dead body."
I don't think this friend is really different from Eric. Both companies are for sale, just at different price points. A startup that isn't for sale is one where you'd have to physically threaten the founder to acquire it.
Of course, the number of founders that have breathlessly pitched me their company that will be "a multi-billion dollar business in 5 years" are uncountable. So I'd argue Eric has a more pragmatic and realistic view of his possible outcomes.
I don't think this friend is really different from Eric. Both companies are for sale, just at different price points. A startup that isn't for sale is one where you'd have to physically threaten the founder to acquire it.
Of course, the number of founders that have breathlessly pitched me their company that will be "a multi-billion dollar business in 5 years" are uncountable. So I'd argue Eric has a more pragmatic and realistic view of his possible outcomes.