Anupam Mittal, founding father of Shaadi.com and a decide 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 corporations.
In an in depth LinkedIn put up, 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 below the belief {that a} founder should additionally stay the CEO indefinitely. Nevertheless, he believes this pondering not suits at this time’s fast-scaling startup setting.
Startups now develop at a tempo the place the talents required at completely different phases differ drastically. What works for a staff of 10 typically collapses at 100, and what succeeds at 100 can break down at 1,000 staff.
Completely different phases, completely different abilities
Based on Mittal, most founders excel within the early phases — taking an concept from zero to 1, after which from one to 10. However as corporations scale, they demand a special set of capabilities: operational depth, course of administration, and expertise in operating giant organizations.
At this stage, bringing in knowledgeable 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 raised outcomes for shareholders.
In India, nonetheless, such transitions are regularly portrayed because the founder being “fired,” failing, or concerned in wrongdoing. Mittal burdened that most often, this narrative is just unfaithful.
Making your self replaceable
Considered one of Mittal’s strongest takeaways was that founders ought to purpose to make themselves replaceable. He cited world tech giants like Google, Apple and Microsoft as examples of corporations that turned enduring establishments by evolving management past their founders.
Usually, stepping down as CEO isn’t about lack of management — however about selecting what’s finest for the corporate’s long-term progress. In Mittal’s view, a founder leaving the CEO function generally is a mark of strategic readability, not defeat.
