Ask HN: Is it possible for a startup to remain privately owned?

1 points by abdulla ↗ HN
Does a startup eventually need to be acquired or go public to bring value to it's employees and shareholders?

2 comments

[ 2.3 ms ] story [ 13.6 ms ] thread
No, that's just the easiest way to put a valuation on it and create a way for employees to actually exercise the shares they hold.
To answer the question in the title: Yes.

To answer the question in the body: No.

A company can remain in private hands and distribute profit to shareholders through dividends and to employees as bonuses.