Vinay Hiremath, co-founder of the video messaging platform Loom, has revealed that he currently has no income and is actively looking for internships. This comes after Loom was sold to Atlassian for $975 million in 2023, reportedly earning him between $50 to $70 million from the deal.
Speaking on the Moneywise podcast, Hiremath shared that he walked away from a $60 million retention package, which would have paid him over four years.
“I left $60 million on the table. I have no income. Right now, I’m looking for internships,” he admitted.
Since the sale of Loom, he has dedicated 5-8 hours a day to studying physics and engaging in online discussions. Now, he hopes to secure an internship in robotics as a mechanical engineer.
“I’ve been doing a bunch of physics. Hopefully, I’ll be interviewing at a few startups – maybe robotics companies – to intern as a mechanical engineer,” he said.
Hiremath also reflected on his journey as a founder, stating that while he once believed in grand missions, he now sees true fulfillment in creating excitement for others. He criticized the tech industry’s tendency to overhype products, admitting that Loom was ultimately just a screen recorder connected to the cloud.
In a January blog post, he wrote about his struggle to find meaning post-success, admitting that while he has the freedom to never work again, life now feels like a series of uninspiring side quests.
“I am rich, and I have no idea what to do with my life,” he reflected.
As he now seeks an internship in robotics and engineering, his journey highlights the unexpected challenges of finding purpose beyond financial success.
