Re:What’s the Second Job of a Startup CEO?
by sandworm101 on Tuesday November 29, 2016 @03:55PM
(#13066204)
Lol. The job of a CEO is to implement the will of the board, of the people who actually own the company. It is normal for startup CEOs to also be an owner, or to know them all socially, but that doesn't mean they aren't a CEO.
If the board wants to expand, the CEO works to expand. But increasingly boards fear rampant expansion. Some aren't looking to cash out via an IPO or buyout. That path is becoming exceedingly difficult. Some want to see profit much earlier. I know one startup with TWO customers, big customers, that is totally focused on them and isn't seeking to grow. That board places customer focus above anything else and instructs their CEO accordingly. He isn't happy. His dreams of rampant expansion and market dominance have been quashed, but he is still doing his job as CEO.
If the board wants to expand, the CEO works to expand. But increasingly boards fear rampant expansion. Some aren't looking to cash out via an IPO or buyout. That path is becoming exceedingly difficult. Some want to see profit much earlier. I know one startup with TWO customers, big customers, that is totally focused on them and isn't seeking to grow. That board places customer focus above anything else and instructs their CEO accordingly. He isn't happy. His dreams of rampant expansion and market dominance have been quashed, but he is still doing his job as CEO.