FoundersHK’s Post

Technical founders can develop into great leaders by having a strong sense of urgency. As BCV partner Kevin Zhang explains, modern engineering teams are used to organized sprints, so technical founders should treat other parts of the business with a similar timeline of “as soon as possible.” After all, time kills all deals. Read more in our head start guide for founders.

Navigating the Unique Challenges of Tech Leadership Leadership in tech requires a distinct approach. It’s not just about managing teams—it’s about driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and scaling systems that adapt to rapid change. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead engineering teams in diverse environments, from scaling up a small, focused team at Blockdaemon to managing high-stakes operations at PornTube. What sets leadership in tech apart? Here are two key lessons I’ve learned: 1. Technical Expertise vs. Strategic Vision: As tech leaders, we’re often seen as the experts. But true leadership goes beyond solving technical problems—it’s about aligning engineering efforts with business goals. I prioritize the “why” behind each decision, ensuring that my teams not only execute well but also contribute to the company’s larger vision. 2. Empathy in High-Pressure Environments: Leading in tech means balancing high performance with high pressure. I’ve found that fostering a culture of ownership and empathy—where team members feel valued and supported—enables innovation even in the most demanding situations. Tech leadership isn’t just about knowing the technology. It’s about bridging the gap between business and engineering, leading with purpose, and growing systems that scale with the organization. I’m eager to connect with others who are passionate about driving these kinds of transformations. Let’s share ideas! #TechLeadership #EngineeringStrategy #ScalingSystems #InnovativeTeams

In my journey of building scalable companies, one thing has become clear: companies that lack technical leadership are building without a foundation for scale. There’s a big difference between short-term wins and long-term success. While a product management approach can lead to quick functionality, it must be deeply aligned with technical leadership to avoid costly rework. By combining product vision with technical foresight, we can build something that grows, scales, and thrives in the long term. 💡 Key Takeaways: • Technical leadership ensures products are built for scalability, not just immediate functionality. • A focus on long-term scalability can optimize resources, reduce costs, and allow teams to innovate rather than constantly troubleshoot. • Building with foresight ensures that infrastructure will support growth without constant rework. Read my latest article: https://lnkd.in/dcNaVDmR #FreeBnk #Leadership #TechStrategy #Scalability #TechnicalLeadership #Innovation #Growth

THE FUTURE OF IT LEADERSHIP IS HERE Are you ready for the Virtual CTO revolution? 🚀 As businesses race to innovate, a Virtual CTO brings strategic tech leadership without the full-time overhead. Here’s why the Virtual CTO is the role of tomorrow: 🔑 Adaptability: Navigate fast-changing tech landscapes with an expert who stays ahead of the curve. 💻 Scalable Expertise: Tailored solutions for startups and SMEs, offering just the right support when it’s needed most. ⚙️ Cost-Efficiency: Gain top-tier leadership without the financial commitment of an in-house hire. 🌐 Innovation-Driven Growth: A Virtual CTO ensures technology aligns perfectly with your business goals, fuelling success. 💡 The tech challenges of today demand agile, strategic leadership. The Virtual CTO is not just a trend - it’s a game-changer for forward-thinking businesses. Curious about how a Virtual CTO can future-proof your business? Let’s talk. The future waits for no one. #virtualcto #itleadership #businessgrowth #technologyconsulting #futureofwork

🔍 "The best storytellers help us see the invisible." — Paige Finn Doherty, Founding Partner at Behind Genius Ventures, introduces the "technical storyteller" founder archetype—visionary leaders who pair deep technical expertise with compelling communication to navigate complexity and spark innovation. 💡 The best founders don’t just build great products—they decode the broader landscape, chart bold new courses, and guide their teams toward enduring success. From retrofitting railcars at Intramotev to democratizing text message marketing with Textla, these innovators uncover unseen opportunities by mastering four layers: product, team, vision, and landscape. Are technical storytellers born or made? As Paige explains, it’s a skill that can be developed through experience, mentorship, and unrelenting curiosity. 📖 Read the full blog in the comments. #OpenLP #Founders #Storytellers

Planning on scaling your business? 🚀 You’ll need to get your leadership hires right. But how do you know which senior hire would be best for your business? 🤔 Whether it’s a CTO, Engineering Manager or Tech Lead, our blog will help you decide. Check it out below 👇 https://lnkd.in/eeECZmpD #SeniorHires #LeadershipTeam #Hiring #FounderAdvice

🤝🏻 Founders roundtable - June 🤝🏻 Following the success of our latest engineering leaders roundtable, our next roundtable will be focused on start-up founders 🚀 If you would benefit in connecting with like-minded founders to share successes, lessons learned and insights at our Liverpool Street HQ, contact me directly 📧 [email protected] #Tech #Roundtable #WaveTalent

Why does Your Tech need More than just Code? I've seen companies invest heavily in the latest technology, expecting it to solve all their problems. But here’s the thing—without a strong team and a healthy culture, even the best tech can fall flat. When your team is united and your culture is strong, technology becomes a powerful tool that enhances everything you do. It’s the people behind the screens—their trust, collaboration, and shared vision—that truly bring innovation to life. So before you pour all your resources into the next big tech upgrade, ask yourself: "Have I invested enough in my people? " Because when you do, the technology will always perform better. #Leadership #TeamBuilding #CultureMatters #TechEffectiveness

Shocking news when you are in the middle of the biggest funding round in history and you loose your CTO… Bold move @Mira Murati! 1/ ➠ When the tech captain leaves mid-voyage ➝ Losing a CTO in the middle of a funding round is bold ➝ Timing matters – was this planned or unexpected? ↳ Companies thrive on steady leadership - without it? … 2/ ➠ The ripple effect of leadership exits ➝ A CTO departure isn’t just about a vacant seat ➝ It creates waves across teams, morale, and direction ↳ What’s the long-term vision without the visionary? 3/ ➠ Can momentum survive a leadership shakeup? ➝ The team is only as resilient as its culture ➝ No leader is irreplaceable, but transitions take time ↳ Will the mission stall or accelerate with new faces? 4/ ➠ What does this say about internal dynamics? ➝ Big exits often hint at bigger internal shifts ➝ Does this point to deeper strategic disagreements? ↳ Or is this just the next step in personal growth? 5/ ➠ Preparing for turbulence ➝ Investors and teams alike are watching closely ➝ The real test isn’t the loss – it’s the rebound ↳ Will the company stay on course or drift? ▶ What message does this send to investors and partners? ▶ Will this decision strengthen OpenAI’s adaptability or expose cracks? // Repost this ⇄ // Source: Mira Murati on X

Tech leadership isn't just a title. It's a mindset. I've been in software development for 16+ years now. Here is what I have learned about true tech leadership: 1. Code speaks louder than words. Technical skills matter at every level. 2. Balance is key. Mix engineers with other experts on your leadership team. 3. Culture drives innovation. Foster an environment where technical discussions thrive. 4. Board diversity includes tech savvy. At least one board member should speak 'geek'. 5. Stay hands-on. The best CTOs never stop coding. Mark Zuckerberg recently highlighted this gap in Silicon Valley. He's right. We need more technical DNA in leadership. How are you ensuring technical expertise at the top? #TechLeadership #InnovationCulture