[T]hey have a “deliberately unsustainable” business model. In other words: do great stuff while you can, and when you can’t do it anymore, stop. This is the model that governs most businesses and artistic endeavors. It’s the reason terms like “jump the shark” exist. Most companies, rock bands, and sports teams are only brilliant for so long. Then they start to slide. Then they die.

via Museum 2.0: Deliberately Unsustainable Business Models. Found through this talk.

Some businesses are set up not to last, as is the case of most non-profits trying to solve societal problems. When the problem is solved or the vision is reached their purpose to exist vanishes.