<p>I can understand the interest of big companies to acquire small, dynamic firms, even start-ups. What about SME's and start-up. Is this the only goal to sell the company? When start-up is created evrebody says: "I started company becouse I belived in my idea, my team ...". The enterpreneurship advisors promote ... "you do your start up, becouse you belive in your idea, you like to nurture and develop your idea to a product, service ... like a baby." <br />Then what? Sell your baby! What is wrong with sticking with your business (baby) and go to a long(er) business trip? Do you have to capitalize on your business at once, by selling it? Where has the passion gone? What happened to my idea, my product, my team, ...? </p> <p>Does anybody prefer keeping business and cooperate with "big" companies instead of selling the baby? Is this to hard or somehow unacceptable in another way? Eventualy the financial and also economic value could be much higher, if you don't sell but cooperate.</p> <p>Is there any statisctics how successful are "babies" in new environment - in the "big" comapnies. Nevertheless these are not their babbies, right?</p> <p>Have a nice day, <br />TV. </p>

<p>Hi Tomaz, I think holding onto your company forever is great in concept... As entrepreneurs we all want to build an empire we can sit on top of. </p> <p>For lifestyle or self-funded companies, you could take your time, nurture your company, grow from the profits, and never think about an exit. That's fantastic for any entrepreneur who is fine with the inherent limits of self-growth. </p> <p>But I'd also say a fair share of entrepreneurs want that shot of cash so they can grow their baby to dominate the daycare. And if you're going to sell your equity, you need to at least think about your exit so you can convince your investors you are actually an investment.</p> <p>And hey, it's still possible to be acquired while keeping the benefits you're talking about. For example: Amazon acquired Zappos, yet Tony Hsieh stayed in charge of the business unit, kept the company's culture, and got access to a better distribution network. </p> <p>Take care, <br />Greg</p>