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 pattern in India’s startup ecosystem: founders resigning from the CEO position in their very own corporations.
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 beneath the idea {that a} founder should additionally stay the CEO indefinitely. Nonetheless, he believes this considering now not matches right this moment’s fast-scaling startup setting.
Startups now develop at a tempo the place the talents required at completely different levels 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.
Totally different levels, completely different abilities
In response to Mittal, most founders excel within the early phases — taking an thought from zero to 1, after which from one to 10. However as corporations scale, they demand a unique 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 quite than weaken it.
International norm, Indian stigma
Mittal famous that in world markets, founders stepping apart for skilled management is broadly 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 steadily portrayed because the founder being “fired,” failing, or concerned in wrongdoing. Mittal pressured that generally, this narrative is solely unfaithful.
Making your self replaceable
One among 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 is just not about lack of management — however about selecting what’s greatest for the corporate’s long-term progress. In Mittal’s view, a founder leaving the CEO position could be a mark of strategic readability, not defeat.
