how would you categorize something like craigslist, or 37signals? Craigslist clearly didn't intend to be huge at first (it wasn't even sure it wanted to be a w

how would you categorize something like craigslist, or 37signals? Craigslist clearly didn't intend to be huge at first (it wasn't even sure it wanted to be a web app), and Craig has made it pretty clear that he doesn't intend to IPO or sell (though a big chunk was purchased, by EBay, I think). Aside from that, it does have the profile of many startups - small, technically oriented, programmer-driven, massive growth. 37signals fits to some extent as well - bootstrapped by consulting, but product oriented, technically oriented, programmer driven, substantial growth. Neither companies seem to want a sale or IPO - they're happy to settle into a role as profitable businesses. At that point, I suppose they are no longer startups. While these companies are the exception, the approach they advocate does seem to be growing. So maybe you call them startups and say that there are many paths - and the IPO/sale exit is more typical.