Vinay Hiremath: From earning in Crores to finding internship
The $975 Million Exit and Life After Loom
Vinay Hiremath, co-founder of Loom, a video messaging platform, made headlines in 2023 when his company was acquired by Atlassian for $975 million. This deal personally earned him between $50 to $70 million, yet despite this financial success, he now finds himself in an unexpected position—seeking internships.
“I Have No Income”—Hiremath’s Surprising Admission
In a candid interview on the Moneywise podcast, Hiremath revealed that he currently has no active income and is looking to intern at various startups. He even turned down a $60 million retention bonus from Atlassian, which would have vested over four years.
“Well, I left $60 million on the table. I have no income. Right now, I’m looking for internships.”
This unexpected career move highlights a deeper struggle—what to do after achieving financial freedom.
From Startup CEO to Internship Seeker
Despite his success in tech, Hiremath is now exploring mechanical and electrical engineering, hoping to gain hands-on experience rather than pursue another leadership role.
“I’m potentially, hopefully – knock on wood – interviewing at a few different startups, like a couple of robotics companies, to intern as a mechanical engineer.”
This shift reflects a growing trend among entrepreneurs who, after achieving financial success, seek intellectual fulfillment rather than corporate leadership.
A Year of Uncertainty and Self-Discovery
Hiremath describes the past year as “a haze”, admitting that having total financial freedom has been more confusing than liberating.
“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.”
Instead of jumping into another startup, he has spent the past year studying physics for 5-8 hours a day and engaging in Discord communities with younger enthusiasts.
Why He Turned Down the Atlassian Offer
Hiremath’s rejection of the $60 million retention package was driven by his discomfort with corporate structures.
“I knew that staying at the acquiring company was not for me, for the big company reasons you might suspect.”
This aligns with his growing disillusionment with traditional startup narratives, which he believes often exaggerate their impact.
Beyond Wealth: Finding Meaning in Creation
Despite his financial security, Hiremath remains unsure about his next steps. He now prioritizes learning over wealth accumulation.
“I think life is about creating.”
His journey is a raw and honest reflection on what happens after financial success, proving that wealth alone does not guarantee fulfillment.
