People’s Software Company

I’m at the start of the business cycle with People’s Software, but I’ve helped build lots of business and been around many acquisitions. I understand how, as a founder, the joy of a successful sale is tempered by the sadness of letting go of what you created–and, all too often, seenng growth level off or the product/business die.

I thought of Dave Morgan, Tacoda’s founder, when I saw the announcements today about AOL integrated Tacoda into their platforms and, in effect, shutting it down (or folding it into ad.com, not totally clear). I remember when Tacoda rolled out and how excited I was about their targeting; since the sale to AOL, the company’s shrunk and most of the key business side staff have left.)

And now we hear AOL’s also buying another TechStars company, SocialThing–will that be in pieces in a year, too?

This is the tension of the exit–but it’s a tough one.