The Importance of Your Executive Team
Your executive team can make or break your startup. These are the people who will help you navigate challenges, scale operations, and execute your vision.
Key Roles to Fill First
Start with the roles that are most critical to your business model. For most startups, this means:
- CTO or VP Engineering (for tech companies)
- VP Sales or Chief Revenue Officer
- VP Product
- CFO (when you reach significant scale)
Hiring for Complementary Skills
Look for executives who complement your strengths and fill your gaps. If you're a technical founder, consider bringing on a business-focused co-founder or executive.
Culture and Values Alignment
Skills can be taught, but values alignment is crucial. Your executive team should share your vision and be passionate about your mission.
Equity and Compensation
Early executives typically receive 0.5-2% equity, depending on their role and when they join. Balance cash compensation with equity to attract top talent.
Building Trust and Communication
Regular executive meetings, transparent communication, and clear decision-making processes are essential for a high-performing leadership team.