I think you're misreading this. It's more along the lines of 'you don't have to run a $1bn+ business to be successful' – that is, by chasing after the very unl

I think you're misreading this. It's more along the lines of 'you don't have to run a $1bn+ business to be successful' – that is, by chasing after the very unlikely dream of becoming one of the vanishingly small number of $1bn+ companies, you are ignoring the possibility of becoming a thoroughly successful $n-million sized company, and focusing on the wrong metrics. There's no shame in building what would by any means be a large, successful company just because it doesn't break the $1bn barrier – but making that the goal is a weird choice. Like the article says: 'The better goal? Keep your head down, make a great product, and build a successful business.' If you have an idea and execution that is worth $1bn+ then great! Hopefully it will pay off. But it shouldn't be the goal; develop a good product and sell it well. Take the opportunities you can to build a market. Maybe you'll make it to $1bn+! But maybe you won't – and that's ok.