Dhruv Ghulati, founder and former CEO of Factmata, a startup focused on tackling misinformation using AI, shares his in-depth journey from founding the company to stepping down as CEO. We discuss incentivising early-stage team members, the challenges faced by solo founders, and the critical moments of product pivots and funding struggles. Dhruv also talks about his decision to hire a successor CEO, leading to the eventual acquisition of Factmata, and reflects on his transition from startup life to roles in larger companies like Onfido and Uber.

00:00 Introduction

01:35 Factmata's Early Days

05:14 Equity for Early Team Members

10:45 Fundraising for a Pivot

20:15 Fundraising as a Solo Founder

24:21 Delegating to the Team

30:41 Constant Fundraising

36:59 Finding a Replacement CEO

38:56 The Second Attempt to Hire a CEO

44:05 Next Steps After Factmata

46:16 Preparing for Acquisition

52:54 Post-Exit Reflections and Career Transition

01:02:42 Final Reflections

Learn more about Evgeny's work as a CEO coach: https://www.evgeny.coach

Startup CEO Succession: a Founder's Guide to Leadership Transition is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CW1HLZTR

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