Dear SaaStr: We’re Only at $3m ARR After 11 Years. Should We Keep Going?
Look, 11 years is a loooong time. I get it 😉
But also, be careful of just quitting if you are even somewhat happy & engaged. Be careful of Quitting Culture and all the talk on X and social media of just quitting.
The fact that you’re still trying says a lot—it says there’s something deeper driving you.
A few reasons to keep going:
1. Builders Gotta Build
Some of us are wired to build. It’s not about the money, the accolades, or even the end result—it’s about the process. You’ve been at this for over a decade because there’s something in you that needs to create, to solve problems, to try again. That’s not failure, that’s resilience. It’s the same reason I keep going. After Adobe Sign / EchoSign, I could’ve stopped. But I didn’t, because building SaaStr—helping founders—felt like something I had to do. It gave me purpose.
In fact, both times after I sold my start-ups, I was pretty lost just a few months later.
Builders Gotta Build.
2. The Search for Meaning
Maybe you’re still trying because you’re searching for something that feels meaningful. It’s not just about building a business—it’s about building something that matters. Something that endures. I’ve been there too—after EchoSign, I wanted to do something bigger, something that would last. SaaStr became that for me, but it took a while to figure out what I really wanted to build. Maybe you’re still searching for your version of that .
3. The Challenge Keeps You Going
Building a business is hard. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and sometimes feels impossible. But it’s also intellectually stimulating. It’s a puzzle, and you’re the one trying to solve it. That challenge can be addictive. It’s why founders like Aaron Levie keep going after decades—they love the game, even when it’s tough.
4. You’re Not Done Yet
You keep trying because you’re not ready to quit. You haven’t hit the point where you feel like you’ve given it everything you’ve got. And that’s okay. The truth is, most founders fail multiple times before they succeed. It’s not about how many times you’ve tried—it’s about whether whether you’re willing to keep going until you figure it out. If you are, then you’re still in the game—and that’s what matters.
5. What’s Your Why?
Your “why” might not be crystal clear yet, and that’s okay. But here’s a thought: maybe your why is simply the belief that you can build something lasting. That belief is powerful. It’s what keeps founders going through the hardest moments. It’s what kept me going when EchoSign almost went under, and it’s what keeps me going now. If you still believe, then you’re still moving forward—and that’s enough.
Final Thought
You can refound (and rebound) your company. It took UiPath 10 years to get to the first $1m in ARR! Now it’s worth $5 Billion+.
It’s the New Age of AI. Everyone can and should be rebounding their start-ups.
You’ve been at this for 11 years, and you’re still here. That says something about your grit, your resilience, and your drive. Maybe your why is evolving, and maybe you haven’t found the perfect answer yet. But the fact that you’re asking this question means you’re still in the fight—and that’s what matters. Keep going. Builders gotta build.
