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Unlike most tech founders, Josh Payne never dreamed of a billion-dollar valuation.
His goal was simpler—and harder. He wanted his equity stake to be worth $50 million.
To get there, he skipped the usual playbook. No blitzscaling. No VC treadmill. He raised a small seed round, built a profitable company, and avoided dilution. By the time he sold StackCommerce, Payne still owned 75%—and hit his number.
By John Warrillow4.8
207207 ratings
Unlike most tech founders, Josh Payne never dreamed of a billion-dollar valuation.
His goal was simpler—and harder. He wanted his equity stake to be worth $50 million.
To get there, he skipped the usual playbook. No blitzscaling. No VC treadmill. He raised a small seed round, built a profitable company, and avoided dilution. By the time he sold StackCommerce, Payne still owned 75%—and hit his number.

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