NoCodeOps started as a scrappy community for no-code operators—a place for those using tools like Zapier and Airtable to connect and level up their workflows. Co-founded by Phil Lakin, the company quickly expanded beyond its newsletter roots to build “Operator,” a specialized tool for operations professionals. Fast forward three and a half years, and the company was given an incredible opportunity: a potential acquisition by Zapier. In order for them to purchase the assets, NoCodeOps would need to wind down—cleanly, efficiently, and without headaches.
Phil and his co-founder Brent were juggling a whirlwind of responsibilities: finalizing the deal, transitioning their team, and diving into their new roles at Zapier.
“I didn’t want to get stuck managing this whole wind-down process while trying to transition into a new gig,” Phil recalled. “We wanted to do it right, but we had zero desire to wade through all that government and legal red tape ourselves.”
Navigating the legal requirements, shutting down financials, and filing the right paperwork with multiple states felt like a minefield. One misstep could bring back headaches months down the road. That’s when Zapier’s Director of Corporate Development, stepped in with a suggestion: work with Sunset!
Phil and Brent were no strangers to hiring experts to tackle niche challenges. “When Austin recommended Sunset, it was a no-brainer. We’d already worked with productized services for other areas like equity management, so trusting a specialized team made sense,” said Phil. After a quick intro meeting, NoCodeOps was all in. “It was like, ‘Please take our money!’” Phil laughed.
Sunset’s approach was a blend of efficiency and personal support, which resonated with Phil. “We had a template to follow, but it wasn’t like we were on our own. You were there every step of the way, making sure we didn’t miss a thing,” he explained. Sunset’s combination of human guidance and a clear, organized process helped the NoCodeOps team avoid costly mistakes and feel confident in their decisions.
Throughout the wind-down, unexpected requests came in from investors, and new tasks popped up around employee transitions. “There were random things that came up, like handling spreadsheets or requests from investors, that weren’t in our wheelhouse,” Phil shared. “Sunset stepped in and just took care of it without us needing to call up expensive lawyers.”
By the end, Phil felt not just relieved, but genuinely free to focus on his new adventure.
“The reason I could hit the ground running at Zapier was because I wasn’t bogged down worrying about this wind-down... Sunset orchestrated all the moving parts, from paperwork to government filings, without making me sweat the details.”
When asked what surprised him the most about working with Sunset, Phil said it was the seamless combination of technology and human support. “I expected some person-product hybrid, but I didn’t expect to be able to literally text you when random issues came up. It wasn’t a support desk—it felt like a real partnership.”
In Phil’s own words: “If you’re a founder who loves punishing yourself, by all means, try handling a dissolution alone,” he joked. “But if you’re ready to close a chapter and move on without tearing your hair out, Sunset’s the way to go.”
For Phil, Sunset wasn’t just about checking boxes—it was about feeling supported through one of the most complex and emotionally fraught transitions a founder can face. “You had my back at every turn,” he said. “That’s what really mattered.”
