In my first company (founded 9 years ago) we were three founders and I was CEO. The decision was easy - the other two were better technologists, and I had better people skills. In my new start-up the first thing I did was bring in a friend I trust, with business experience relevant to the venture (but no technology experience) as partner and CEO. So, what gives? It was fun holding the title back then, and I didn't do a bad job, but eventually I realized that the technology is more interesting for me, and as CEO you simply don't get to deal with that. Now that I'm a much better techie than I was back then, it was just obvious to me that I shouldn't be CEO.