The story of Jake Kassan, who sold his company MVMT Watches for $100 million at the age of 27, reveals a profound journey from achieving financial freedom to grappling with a loss of purpose and identity. This article explores how Kassan navigated through anxiety, depression, and ultimately found new meaning in life.

Discover How Financial Success Can Lead to an Unexpected Search for Meaning

Early Ventures and Academic Struggles

Jake Kassan's path to success began not in academia but through entrepreneurial ventures. From selling lollipops as a seventh-grader to launching glow-in-the-dark T-shirts in college, Kassan found more value in business than in traditional education. His academic performance was lackluster, often described as below average. However, this didn't deter him. Instead, it fueled his hyper-focus on projects that genuinely interested him. Kassan’s first significant business venture failed due to competition from digital-first brands, teaching him a crucial lesson about the importance of e-commerce.Despite dropping out of Santa Barbara City College after one year, Kassan remained undeterred. He shifted his focus entirely to entrepreneurship, recognizing that his true calling lay outside the classroom. This decision would later prove pivotal in shaping his future success.

The Rise of MVMT Watches

By 2013, Kassan co-founded MVMT Watches with his college roommate Kramer LaPlante. The brand quickly gained traction, leveraging social media platforms like Instagram to build a loyal following. Over five years, MVMT amassed over a million followers, employed a team of 45, and became a household name in the accessory industry. In 2018, Kassan sold the company to Movado Group for a staggering $100 million, transforming him into a multi-millionaire at just 27.The sale brought immediate gratification and financial freedom. Kassan could afford a luxurious lifestyle and help friends and family financially. Yet, beneath the surface, something was amiss. The thrill of success began to fade, leaving him feeling unfulfilled and searching for deeper meaning.

The Dark Side of Financial Freedom

Initially, the newfound wealth seemed like a dream come true. Kassan enjoyed the moment, reveling in the luxury and freedom. But soon, the novelty wore off. Life felt monotonous, akin to living the same day repeatedly. Anxiety and depression resurfaced, exacerbated by the void left by losing his entrepreneurial challenge.Kassan struggled to find people who understood his emotional turmoil. "How do you empathize with someone who is rich and depressed?" he pondered. The isolation deepened, making it harder to connect with others. Despite having friends and family, Kassan felt emotionally depleted, questioning what truly mattered in life.

A Turning Point in Australia

In early 2024, during a trip to Australia, Kassan experienced a panic attack that shook him to his core. It was an unexpected moment of vulnerability, triggering weeks of reflection. He realized that he needed to refocus on activities that challenged him and provided genuine enjoyment. Rather than obsessing over outcomes, Kassan decided to embrace the process, much like working out consistently to see long-term benefits.Creativity became his new outlet. Building MVMT had allowed him to express himself artistically, and now he turned to videography and storytelling. This shift marked a turning point in his journey toward finding purpose. Today, Kassan actively works on his YouTube channel and invests in innovative companies like Olipop and Truff.

Redefining Happiness and Purpose

Kassan's relationship with money has evolved. While grateful for his financial success, he acknowledges its limitations. Money cannot buy peace of mind or lasting happiness. Instead, he finds fulfillment in meaningful work and creative expression. By focusing on these aspects, Kassan continues to redefine what happiness means to him, embracing a life filled with purpose and passion.