‘Not fired, not failed’: Anupam Mittal on why startup founders ought to exit the CEO function

Anupam Mittal, founding father of Shaadi.com and a choose on Shark Tank India Season 5, has weighed in on a rising however typically misunderstood development in India’s startup ecosystem: founders resigning from the CEO function in their very own firms. 

In an in depth LinkedIn submit, Mittal argued that such exits shouldn’t be considered as failure — however as an indication of maturity and evolution. 

Mittal identified that for years, Indian startups have operated underneath the belief {that a} founder should additionally stay the CEO indefinitely. Nevertheless, he believes this considering not matches right this moment’s fast-scaling startup surroundings. 

Startups now develop at a tempo the place the abilities required at completely different levels fluctuate drastically. What works for a crew of 10 typically collapses at 100, and what succeeds at 100 can break down at 1,000 staff. 

Totally different levels, completely different abilities 

In keeping with Mittal, most founders excel within the early phases — taking an thought from zero to 1, after which from one to 10. However as firms scale, they demand a distinct set of capabilities: operational depth, course of administration, and expertise in working giant organizations. 

At this stage, bringing in an expert CEO can strengthen the corporate slightly than weaken it. 

International norm, Indian stigma 

Mittal famous that in world markets, founders stepping apart for skilled management is extensively accepted and even inspired. The founder retains possession and long-term upside, whereas the corporate advantages from seasoned administration—typically main to higher outcomes for shareholders. 

In India, nonetheless, such transitions are ceaselessly portrayed because the founder being “fired,” failing, or concerned in wrongdoing. Mittal careworn that generally, this narrative is solely unfaithful. 

Making your self replaceable 

One in every of Mittal’s strongest takeaways was that founders ought to goal to make themselves replaceable. He cited world tech giants like Google, Apple and Microsoft as examples of firms that grew to become enduring establishments by evolving management past their founders. 

Usually, stepping down as CEO isn’t about lack of management — however about selecting what’s greatest for the corporate’s long-term development. In Mittal’s view, a founder leaving the CEO function is usually a mark of strategic readability, not defeat.