A Dubai-based CEO has sparked an online debate after sharing a post about chartering a $20 million private jet. The post, shared on LinkedIn by Jonathan Low, CEO of Biptap, was intended to be motivational, but not everyone saw it that way. While some praised his ambition, others criticised the tone as out of touch.
“I didn’t buy a $20M private jet. I just chartered it. But every time I post a photo, LinkedIn explodes with hate. They think it’s flexing. It’s not. It’s progress,” Low wrote.
He went on to explain how just two years ago, he struggled to afford flights and hotels. First-class travel and global business trips were just part of his “vision board” back then.
“Now? I fly private to make it on time for a meeting,” he said.
“I built this life when I had nothing but a dream. Now I’m living what felt impossible back then. So let them talk. Keep working. Keep building. One day, your discipline will look like luck to everyone who doubted you,” his post added.
The post gained attention and drew mixed reactions. While some praised his journey and called it inspiring, others questioned the need to travel by private jet when meetings can be done online. Some even raised concerns about the environmental impact.
One user wrote, “It’s a testament to how hard work and perseverance can transform visions into reality. Keep pushing boundaries and proving that success is attainable with the right mindset.”
Another added, “Good for you—proof that focus and perseverance can take you anywhere.”
“This is what it looks like when consistency compounds. It always sounds like bragging to the people who gave up halfway,” someone else said.
On the flip side, a person commented, “Paying 1000s for a private charter for a meeting is crazy. Zoom is free, and if absolutely necessary, pay a few hundred bucks and fly coach.”
“Astonishing that tech founders aren’t the foremost users of virtual meeting technology. Private flights are not progress; they’re contributing to climate breakdown and jeopardising the viability of your business. Keep building by all means—but build your legacy, build a sustainable future, not your own carbon footprint,” another said.
“How are the skies outside the window? I hope your charter is flying with jet fuel. Did you know, jet fuel comes from hydrocarbons?” an individual person noted sarcastically.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Jonathan Low became the CEO of Biptap in 2022. He is also the founder of Digifoxweb3 and has previously co-founded two other companies.