On my self-built single-gear bike, I ride along Christianshavn Canal, the cobblestones rattling under the wheels and my shirt flapping out of my chinos. Perhaps for the first time in my life, I’m early for a meeting. I stop at the red building where Carnegie Investment Bank has its office. This is where I’m going to seal the deal that will radically change my future. My company at the time, Billy ApS — an online accounting program for entrepreneurs — has been up for sale for nearly a year.
I started Billy in 2011, and the company has followed me from Bredgade to San Francisco and Spain, and from bachelorhood to fatherhood. But today, I’m signing the final sales contracts. I’ve been an entrepreneur for 50,000 hours spread over 18 years, working 50 intensive hours every week — often without earning a penny. But in a few days, I’ll receive the payment.
Today, many thoughts run through my mind. How can a boy from Søborg, who grew up with five sisters, divorced parents, and barely made it through elementary school, end up graduating from technical high school with the second-highest grade average and building such success that he soon won’t have to worry about money for the rest of his life?
The answer will have to wait because, as one of the first to arrive at Carnegie, I’m told that the final versions of the contracts aren’t ready. The buyer has some additions. Time passes, and more people arrive — lawyers, investment bankers, directors — they’re all here now.
Suddenly, it strikes me that one person is missing: my dad! He, who has supported me since I got my first CVR number and helped me create spreadsheets for bookkeeping — he must be here. I call him, interrupting his daily errands. “But I’m in the middle of shopping for lunch,” he says.
Nevertheless, he drops everything and shows up shortly after, wearing the most relaxed summer outfit I’ve seen him in for a long time. Although he seems unimpressed, this is probably a bigger day for him than it is for me. He’s been there during the steep uphill battles and when I rolled downhill again, my face scraping along the pavement.
Now we stand before a large meeting table, he and I, ready to put a decisive signature on the paper.
Before that can happen, we’re just waiting for the buyer’s final approval. When he walks through the door, there’s a serious look on his face. “That stunt that happened yesterday, it’s the kind of thing that makes people hesitate,” he says. He pauses. I glance at my dad, sensing a bit of nervousness. The director picks up the thread again: “But it’s approved.”
For a few long seconds, the room is completely silent before it dawns on everyone that it’s a done deal. Shoulders relax, and relieved smiles spread. My dad sends me a look that’s unmistakable. “Anything is possible if you fight hard enough,” I think. Meanwhile, the first champagne bottles are opened, and we celebrate the sale with the entire team. I only have time for one glass because I’m already late for a dinner appointment. Sure, it’s a big day, but I can’t cancel on my good friend who’s waiting for me.
Done deal. I’m a free man.
My life changed forever when I sold Billy. But I’m still the same. I will never stop seeking new adventures. So, how did the boy from Søborg get here? He succeeded because he couldn’t help it and because he persevered. Because he loved adventure and had good people by his side.
For me, money has never been the goal. I think that would be very dull and exhausting. For me, it’s still about freedom and passion, the love of creating, and the courage to overcome the challenges I face along the way.
There are many more adventures ahead, for me and for you. I hope you enjoy the journey to the fullest and appreciate those who accompany you along the way.
/Werner Valeur
Follow Werner Valeur’s entrepreneurial journey at https://wernervaleur.com, where you can also download his 15 books on entrepreneurship for free.
