The Regret of Billion-Dollar Success: Jyoti Bansal's Journey After Selling AppDynamics

A Dream Turned Regret

Selling a business for billions might sound like a dream, but for Jyoti Bansal, founder of AppDynamics, it quickly turned into a regret after selling the company to Cisco in 2017 for $3.7 billion.
Bansal, who spent nine years building his startup, felt an overwhelming sense of loss even amidst the financial success.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

After the sale was announced, a celebratory party followed, but Bansal felt a deep sadness as he walked home. He described it as his "saddest day," realizing he was aimless without the challenges of running his company.
"It’s a great outcome in many ways, but it’s also the end of a chapter," he shared.

The Tough Decision

The decision to sell AppDynamics was not easy. Bansal was surprised by Cisco's last-minute offer, which came just as they were preparing for an IPO. He deliberated for days, weighing the financial benefits against his passion for building the company.
He noted, "It was the hardest decision. I got maybe three hours of sleep [per night]."

What’s Next?

After six months of travel, Bansal launched Harness, another startup focused on tools for software developers. Interestingly, it was valued at $3.7 billion in 2022, the same as AppDynamics at its sale.
Reflecting on his current venture, Bansal mentioned that he is not inclined to sell Harness, emphasizing their desire to continue growing and solving problems.
"We want to get to billions of dollars of revenue. It feels like our journey is just starting," he said.

A Lesson Learned

Bansal's experience serves as a poignant reminder that success is not always as fulfilling as it seems. The drive to innovate and solve problems often outweighs financial gains.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.