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Mar 2025
46m 37s

Inside the $30M Exit of a Socialist Budd...

Hampton
About this episode

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

(29:56) Reflections on Wealth and Happiness

(30:54) The Rollercoaster of Post-Exit Life

(36:44) Buddhist Values and Business Success

(40:12) Current Financial Situation and Future Plans

(44:11) Conclusion and Final Thoughts


This podcast is a ridiculous concept: high-net-worth people reveal their personal finances.

Inspired by real conversations happening in the Hampton community.


Your Host:

Harry Morton

  • Founded and runs Lower Street, the leading branded podcast production service in the world.
  • Hampton Member.
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