7-10 years is the realistic time frame for a moderately successful exit, usually those that are "Bought" after 1-3 years are actually failed ventures with all or most of the money going back to the investors to recoup their loses.

It seems high at first but take a look at practically any successful startup (Slack, Dropbox, Notion, etc) and they all were around for 8-12 years before the founders cashed out.

> "Good startups usually take 10 years." - Sam Altman

It also aligns with other Y Combinator teachings, such as targeting growing markets.

No, where did you get this idea? Good startups do not think this way.