Loom Co-Founder Vinay Hiremath Reflects on Life After $975 Million Exit

Vinay Hiremath, the Indian-origin co-founder of Loom, has opened up about his struggles following the $975 million sale of his startup to Atlassian in 2023. In a candid blog post titled “I am rich and I have no idea what to do with my life,” Hiremath details the existential confusion he faces despite achieving financial independence.

Following the sale, Hiremath found himself in an unexpected position of never having to work again. However, instead of feeling liberated, he experienced a lack of direction. He described everything as feeling like a “side quest” rather than a meaningful pursuit.

In his post, Hiremath also reflected on his personal relationships, particularly his breakup with his long-term girlfriend. He admitted that his own insecurities played a role in the end of their two-year relationship and expressed regret, writing a heartfelt apology:

"If my ex is reading this—thank you for everything. I am sorry I couldn’t be what you needed me to be."

After the acquisition, Hiremath was offered a $60 million compensation package to remain as CTO at Atlassian, but he struggled with the decision. Seeking a fresh challenge, he explored venture capital, robotics, and even working with high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy in a DOGE-funded project. Despite engaging with some of the smartest minds, he ultimately found himself uninspired.

In search of purpose, Hiremath took on extreme adventures. He attempted to climb the Himalayas without prior experience, only to fall ill and require rescue. Now, he finds himself in Hawaii, studying physics, hoping to develop first-principles thinking as a foundation for his next venture.

At 33, despite his wealth, Hiremath continues to seek fulfillment beyond financial success. His journey highlights the psychological challenges of sudden wealth and the struggle to redefine one’s purpose after achieving what many consider the ultimate goal.