The $500 million founder exit: how Tim started, ran and exited Quark

Tim tells about his early experiences with word processors and the challenges of shipping software updates in the 80s and 90s. He discusses bringing in an external CEO, the founders leaving, and how he negotiated a $500 million buyout. We also compare startups then and now, including how to manage capital and burn rates. Tim shares his thoughts on home automation and the future of smart homes, along with his work at Josh.ai, a voice-controlled home automation startup.

Tim Gill founded Quark in 1981, which built the world’s most popular enterprise publishing software and held 90% of the market share at its peak. After selling all his shares in Quark for $500 million in 2000, Tim became one of the wealthiest 400 people in America and the single largest individual donor to the LGBT rights movement in US history.