yes, they wont be paid for the potential future revenues, but...

yes, they wont be paid for the potential future revenues, but ultimately it all depends on how the company is taken out.

For me being taken out with a cash offer, is the worst and would fully reflect the "never seeing the true value". Then you really only see a marginal part of potential future value. In addition to need to pay tax on the gains you made.

Ideally, you obtain a share offer (ratio determined from the buying price) from the buying company. You then still have the possibility to be part of the success in a diluted form and still don't need to pay any taxes on your gains yet. Cherry on top, would then be the buying company regularly paying dividends.