Vinay Hiremath’s Educational Experience: Lessons Learned from the $975M Loom Deal
Formfees
27/03/2025
Success stories can inspire, but not many combine curiosity, grit, and strategic learning quite like Vinay Hiremath’s—co-founder of Loom, which was acquired by Atlassian for $975 million. Beyond the massive valuation, his journey from a physics student to a tech entrepreneur highlights the impact of education, internships, and hands-on experience in shaping a career.
If you’re a student looking to turn your skills into a game-changing business, here’s what you can take away from Hiremath’s journey.
The co-founder of Loom sold his biz for ~$1B, made $50-70M personally, then walked away from an extra $60M
— Sam Parr (@thesamparr) March 25, 2025
He has “no income right now” and is “looking for internships”…@vhmth has a wild post-exit story. we talked about it on Moneywise:
-Turned down $60M in retention… pic.twitter.com/uTdS5blabz
Contents
1. Learning Outside the Classroom: The Physics Mentality
Hiremath’s academic background is in physics, a field that thrives on curiosity and problem-solving. While many think a technical degree alone determines success, his path proves otherwise:
✅ Analytical thinking and logical reasoning from science and engineering can be applied to software development, startups, and business.
✅ Strong problem-solving abilities give you an advantage when tackling real-world challenges in coding, product development, or market analysis.
✅ Interdisciplinary knowledge (like combining science with business skills) helps you innovate beyond traditional paths.
2. Internships: The Best Way to Gain Practical Experience
Before co-founding Loom, Hiremath actively pursued internships, which served as a bridge between academic learning and real-world application.
🔹 Internships expose you to the practical side of concepts beyond textbooks.
🔹 You build industry relationships that could lead to mentorship or future career opportunities.
🔹 They help you test different career paths, so you can refine your direction before committing to a full-time job or startup.
Key takeaway? Even if you’re unsure about launching a startup, intern at one. The hands-on experience will teach you things that no class ever could.
3. From Intern to Entrepreneur: Discovering Market Gaps
Hiremath’s transition from physics to co-founding a business wasn’t random—it was a strategic shift driven by observation. He spotted a market gap—the need for better asynchronous video communication—and built Loom to solve it.
🔍 What can students learn from this?
✔️ Be observant—pay attention to everyday problems that could use better solutions.
✔️ Use internships as market research—identify inefficiencies in workflows, industries, or technologies.
✔️ Don’t wait for the “perfect idea”—start small with side projects or collaborations that could evolve into something bigger.
4. The Adaptability Advantage: A $975M Mentality
Hiremath’s story is not just about physics or coding—it’s about seizing new opportunities. Many students hesitate to step outside their chosen fields, but success today demands a willingness to explore.
💡 Adaptability tips for students:
📌 If you’re a STEM student, explore business and communication skills.
📌 If you’re in business, learn technical skills or data analysis.
📌 Be open to learning, even if it means changing careers or industries.
What This Means for You
Vinay Hiremath’s journey is a masterclass in using education, internships, and problem-solving to create something impactful. Whether you’re studying physics, engineering, or business, remember:
🚀 Your degree is not a ceiling—it’s a launchpad.
🚀 Internships help you explore, refine, and validate career choices.
🚀 Opportunities come when you apply knowledge creatively and stay adaptable.
As a student, the next success story could be yours—if you start thinking beyond textbooks and step into the real world with a curious, adaptable, and problem-solving mindset.
