Too many founders are focusing on the big exit. Survivor bias really feeds this too, as we hear all these great "I got rich" stories from successful exits, and never hear the "I failed hard" stories from failed startups.
Tuning your company for acquisition instead of profitability is stupid. Don't do it. Cashing out for $10M or $1B are probably not options you actually ever have, so don't fixate on them.
If you're not looking for your exit too hard it just might come your way anyway, and building a solid business is one way to work towards that goal.
If you're only focused on your exit and it doesn't happen or the timing is off you are probably in a lot of trouble.