In an extraordinary career pivot, Nathanael Farrelly, a former registered nurse in Florida, sold his healthcare startup for $12.5 million and retired at 28. The young entrepreneur told CNBC Make It that his decision was motivated not by money, but by the desire to focus on what he calls the “next season” of life: family.
Farrelly, who became a registered nurse at just 21, launched his startup Revitalize in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company specialized in home infusion therapy, dispatching nurses to administer intravenous medications at patients’ residences—an increasingly vital service as hospitals struggled with overwhelming caseloads.
Startup gained traction during pandemic
Revitalize quickly found its footing in the healthcare market. Within months of launching, it attracted offers from private equity firms impressed by its niche service model and rapid growth. Farrelly, however, wasn’t immediately interested in cashing out.
“I didn’t think it was the right time,” he said, referring to the initial multimillion-dollar offers he turned down early on. Instead, he waited until 2023, when he sold Revitalize to one of the largest infusion care providers in the United States for $12.5 million.
A true exit—and a new beginning
Following the acquisition, Farrelly remained with the company for about 18 months to ensure a seamless transition. Then, in what he calls his “true exit,” he stepped away completely.
“I started to really think about the next season of my life. I wanted to focus more on my family,” Farrelly said.
Unconventionally, Farrelly opted not to dive into another startup or take on a high-powered executive role. Instead, he embraced a new identity: full-time dad.
A full-time father with a fresh perspective
Former nurse Farrelly now lives in Florida with his wife and their three young children, with a fourth on the way. He describes himself as a “stay-at-home dad,” choosing to invest his time in parenting and personal growth rather than chasing the next big venture.
While his peers might see startup exits as springboards to bigger ambitions, Farrelly saw his success as a ticket to slowing down. “This gave me the chance to really focus on family,” he said.
Angel investing and life after business
Though no longer running a business day-to-day, Farrelly hasn’t stepped away from the entrepreneurial world entirely. He has taken on the role of angel investor, supporting ventures like a friend’s coffee brand and a health-focused mobile app. Still, the core of his time and energy now revolves around his family life.
His story stands out in a tech and startup culture that often glorifies hustle and continuous reinvention. For Farrelly, true success came not just in millions but in making space for meaning.