01 Dec Acquiring Minds: Buying for $600k, Selling for $35M
Many strong entrepreneurs are less risk takers than strategic risk mitigators, and Jake Bittner exemplifies this mindset. He spent the first decade of his career in enterprise software sales, deliberately choosing selling as the most valuable skill for a future entrepreneur. Along the way, he developed deep expertise in government-focused data analytics, built a strong network, and saved enough money to weather a period without salary. So when the chance came to acquire an unprofitable carve-out in his niche, he was unusually well prepared: he knew the business, the customers, and the industry dynamics. These foundations allowed him and his partner to stabilize the company and later reassess their business model. A pivotal strategic shift ultimately propelled the business forward, leading to a transformative exit. Jakeā€™s story also highlights the underappreciated potential of govtech within ETA. This is Jake Bittner, former CEO and co-owner of Qlarion and an LP at Minds Capital.
