Every entrepreneurial journey is laced with dreams of grandeur and visions of triumphant exits. However, reality often scripts a different tale. Sometimes, the exit strategy that unfolds may not be the dream ending that was envisioned, but a necessary compromise that offers a much-needed respite from a relentless ordeal.

Our 16th episode of "Startup: Confidential", aptly titled "Synergy Maybe", presents such a narrative. This episode explores a 'sad exit', an event that, while not being the triumphant conclusion hoped for, serves as a crucial lifeline for a struggling startup.

Two of our series' stalwart companies will find themselves on this challenging path, their identities remaining a mystery for now. This episode throws light on the tough decisions entrepreneurs sometimes have to make, and the resilience required to steer their companies through these moments of truth. At the end of the deal, the "sad exit" is also a unique type of merger or acquisition, which includes some really interesting terms to negotiate.

What does a 'sad exit' entail for these companies, and how do they cope with the shift from their dream outcomes? How do they navigate the murky waters of compromise and face the reality of their situation?

Nimrod Vromen is also the author of Prompting Happiness - a book about the pursuit of happiness in the age of artificial intelligence (now on Amazon).

Jordan is managing partner of Global Upscale, an international marketing and design firm, which produced this series.