Problem is with many of the replies up here, how many have been part of an IPO or buyout?
If you're bought, depending on the terms, you may not be able to "do as you please". They may give you a VP title with some guarantee of 5 years or so. After which they (their board, shareholders, etc) may vote you out, or you may want to quit yourself after seeing your baby run into the ground.
Especially if the company (or VC) wants to take your company public. I've seen founding finance and marketing guys pushed aside with new faces that are what "the [wall] street want to see". How's that for a thanks?
Further, if you are lucky enough to get bought out/funded for huge sums, its even rarer that lightening strikes twice with your next startup.
If you're bought, depending on the terms, you may not be able to "do as you please". They may give you a VP title with some guarantee of 5 years or so. After which they (their board, shareholders, etc) may vote you out, or you may want to quit yourself after seeing your baby run into the ground.
Especially if the company (or VC) wants to take your company public. I've seen founding finance and marketing guys pushed aside with new faces that are what "the [wall] street want to see". How's that for a thanks?
Further, if you are lucky enough to get bought out/funded for huge sums, its even rarer that lightening strikes twice with your next startup.