[gwc]

That may be true for 'most' founders (although I suspect it is far from universal), but I think it is fairly evident that Peldi has chosen the latter path. See: http://www.balsamiq.com/blog/?p=587

Peldi doesn't seem to be viewing Balsamiq as a stepping stone to getting rich and working on his next project in pursuit of some unknown end state; for him, Balsamiq IS the end state (or he hopes it will be).

If you really truly enjoy what you're doing - and it is clear he is - is there really any point to suffering some optional pain in exchange for a greater payout at the end?

(Standard caveat - Peldi, if you're reading this and I am way off base, please feel free to correct!)

[balsamiq]

Hi gwc, Peldi here. You go it exactly right, Balsamiq is not a 'startup' in the pg sense, but rather a lifestyle business...I hope to be working on/for Balsamiq Studios for as long as possible, and to continue to have a great time doing it. The goal is to build a small company of rock-stars who do great work, delight our customers and love to work together every day. What's not to like? ;)

[davidw]

> What's not to like? ;)

"rock stars"? :-)

Other than that, complimenti, and looking forward to meeting you at some sort of news.yc meetup in Italy:-)