He had a good idea. He had a plan that was great at the half-inch stage. But he never achieved the 'entrepreneurial maturity' to move forward with his business. He just kept on planning. This kind of 'freezing' can happen at any stage in the growth of a small company.
Some people freeze at the thought of moving their business out of their home.
Others freeze at the time they need to hire their first employees. Others can't get past the idea of relinquishing total control by attracting outside talent with offers of equity. Well, perhaps you've reached a stage past which you just don't want to go. And the best help can often come from someone who's already walked the same path. It may involve finding a partner.