As startups shift their focus from rapid growth to building sustainable, profitable businesses, they are increasingly hiring older, more experienced executives for non-technical roles. This trend is especially prevalent in companies preparing to go public, because having an experienced leader instills confidence in investors and the market and signals stability and the potential for success.
While startups still prefer younger talent for tech and product roles, they have seen an increase in demand for experienced professionals in finance, regulatory and compliance functions over the past 10-1.5 years, according to a report in the Economic Times. “There is an increased demand for senior professionals who can weather longer business cycles and bring discipline and a systematic approach,” said Anuj Roy, managing partner at executive search firm Fidius Advisory. “This is more evident in CXO hires across roles like finance, compliance, legal and marketing.”
Venture capital funds investing in early stage companies understand the leadership gap and the need for experienced talent to help build a strong foundation for their business, lead the team and mentor the founders. “Smart founders realise this early on and hire experienced people to help build a strong foundation for their business, lead the team and even mentor the founders. In times of crisis, they leverage their experience to steer the situation through,” says Padmaja Ruparel, co-founder, Indian Angel Network.
Experienced executives bring invaluable skills in identifying and executing the strategic vision for the company, reducing burn rates, improving operational efficiency and managing crises.According to an ET report, Captain Fresh CEO Usam Gowda emphasised the importance of bringing on board a seasoned professional like Matthew George, who has experience leading public companies, at a time when the company is seeking a broader shareholder base and facing increased scrutiny from analysts, shareholders and the broader market.
Eduvanz co-founder Varun Chopra noted that experienced executives are essential to handle regulatory and compliance tasks. “While hiring senior executives is often costly, they bring valuable skills in identifying and executing the strategic vision for the company,” he said. “For example, our burn rate has been reduced by almost half thanks to strategic initiatives led by our CXOs.” Chopra noted that operational efficiency, industry knowledge and crisis management are also areas where experienced executives excel.
The startup ecosystem has seen a significant shift in hiring practices, with companies now prioritizing experience and maturity in key leadership positions. This change in approach is expected to continue as startups mature and realize the critical role that experienced senior professionals play in their success.
While startups still prefer younger talent for tech and product roles, they have seen an increase in demand for experienced professionals in finance, regulatory and compliance functions over the past 10-1.5 years, according to a report in the Economic Times. “There is an increased demand for senior professionals who can weather longer business cycles and bring discipline and a systematic approach,” said Anuj Roy, managing partner at executive search firm Fidius Advisory. “This is more evident in CXO hires across roles like finance, compliance, legal and marketing.”
Venture capital funds investing in early stage companies understand the leadership gap and the need for experienced talent to help build a strong foundation for their business, lead the team and mentor the founders. “Smart founders realise this early on and hire experienced people to help build a strong foundation for their business, lead the team and even mentor the founders. In times of crisis, they leverage their experience to steer the situation through,” says Padmaja Ruparel, co-founder, Indian Angel Network.
Experienced executives bring invaluable skills in identifying and executing the strategic vision for the company, reducing burn rates, improving operational efficiency and managing crises.According to an ET report, Captain Fresh CEO Usam Gowda emphasised the importance of bringing on board a seasoned professional like Matthew George, who has experience leading public companies, at a time when the company is seeking a broader shareholder base and facing increased scrutiny from analysts, shareholders and the broader market.
Eduvanz co-founder Varun Chopra noted that experienced executives are essential to handle regulatory and compliance tasks. “While hiring senior executives is often costly, they bring valuable skills in identifying and executing the strategic vision for the company,” he said. “For example, our burn rate has been reduced by almost half thanks to strategic initiatives led by our CXOs.” Chopra noted that operational efficiency, industry knowledge and crisis management are also areas where experienced executives excel.
The startup ecosystem has seen a significant shift in hiring practices, with companies now prioritizing experience and maturity in key leadership positions. This change in approach is expected to continue as startups mature and realize the critical role that experienced senior professionals play in their success.
