Inside the $30M Exit of a Socialist Buddhist

2025-03-18

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If you're a founder doing at least $3M/year in sales, check out Hampton: https://www.joinhampton.com/.Chris Cooke is a socialist Buddhist who sold his company for $30 million… then blew most of it on a weed farm, a beach house, and a comedy club in Thailand.Here’s what we talk about:How Chris accidentally “won” capitalism—despite deeply skeptical views of moneyWhat happens when your values, ego, and bank account collideWhy he spent nearly his entire fortune in six months—and doesn’t regret itTh...

If you're a founder doing at least $3M/year in sales, check out Hampton: https://www.joinhampton.com/.

Chris Cooke is a socialist Buddhist who sold his company for $30 million… then blew most of it on a weed farm, a beach house, and a comedy club in Thailand.

Here’s what we talk about:

How Chris accidentally “won” capitalism—despite deeply skeptical views of money
What happens when your values, ego, and bank account collide
Why he spent nearly his entire fortune in six months—and doesn’t regret it
The real estate investments that unintentionally saved him from going broke
How Buddhist detachment helped him take huge risks—and make millions
Why giving money to friends was harder than it sounds (and cost him relationships)
How he's now building a business focused on sustainability, not just growth
The real meaning of success for a Buddhist entrepreneur

Cool Links:

Hampton – Join the Founder Community https://www.joinhampton.com/

Lower Street – Podcast Production https://www.lowerstreet.co/

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction: The Paradox of a Capitalist Buddhist

(03:23) Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit

(06:01) Building and Growing a SaaS Business

(11:41) The Decision to Sell and Its Aftermath

(17:26) Spending the Fortune: Investments and Losses

(22:05) The Comedy Club and Financial Struggles

(25:49) Lifestyle Changes and Generosity

(27:07) The Downside of Lending Money to Friends