I don't think a 13-year business with under $3M in revenue is a startup, sounds more like a lifestyle business. It's also not something VCs would be interested in. This falls under super-laid back, and not something most people on HN would likely be attracted either. The serial entrepreneurs I admire have done 2-4 businesses in 10 years, all with exits well over $50M.
re: not something VCs are interested in - we didn't require VC money. I do not think VC money is always necessary in starting a company. If anything I believe it adds a layer of complexity which could hurt founders especially with their first go at it.
re: laid back - I guess this is relative. I do know things were much more stressful and frantic in 2001. I also know we are more focused today and complete far more in 10 hours now than we did back then.
Bad VCs add complexity and it's wrong to stereotype all of them as the same, where there is capital there is greed. Good VCs bring a ton of value outside of just money.
Serial entrepreneurs are necessary, they keep MBA students employed. That was just a joke. :)
They aren't creating any more value than some guy selling a get rich quick scheme.
And given the amount of attention DHH receives for taking the counterpoint to your argument here, I'd disagree that "most people on HN" would not be interested in this.
After reading Paul Graham's "How to Make Wealth" essay, we had an 'aha moment'. It's not necessary for a business to do all three stages. In fact it's not efficient and usually not desirable. Some people/companies are good at innovation, some are good at growth, and some are good are harvest. Each should focus on their strengths.
The model of creating startups and then exiting is about focusing on the innovation stage.
If most HN readers were interested in lifestyle businesses, I question why they vote up so many pg, et. al. articles about the difficulties and intensity of startups. To your point however, my initial comment was presumptuous and Steve cleared it up...