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Founder, co-founder, CEO: what’s the real difference? It's crucial to understand the different roles in a startup role, as these terms can be confusing because a single person can hold multiple roles, like both founder & CEO.
If you ask “What is a co-founder” or “What is the difference between founder and co-founder?” This article will clarify the key points of distinction.
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Table of Contents
The Differences Between Founders and Ceos
Founders and CEOs have some key differences, even though they work closely. While the CEO is responsible for business operations, while founders focus more on planning and creating a long-term vision. Founders usually don't make business decisions unless they have another role in the company. Being a CEO needs specific experience and skills and might also need deep knowledge. of the industry.
Can There be a Different Founder and a CEO?
It's common for companies to have both a Founder AND a CEO.
Some Founder-CEOs step down from the CEO role, but keep the Founder title, sometimes moving to a board of directors seat.
Some companies have founder-CEOs while others hire a CEO from inside or outside the company. To be the CEO. Hiring a CEO usually happens after the business is launched and requires a well-structured leadership team. The most effective approach depends on the business and the people involved. Some founders like to participate in day-to-day operations. A founder's preferences can impact how the company selects a CEO.
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What is a co-founder?
A co-founder is someone who plays a key role in starting a company, organization, or project. Typically, they are usually involved fr.om the beginning, helping to develop the core idea, business model, and foundational strategies.
In most cases, company founders set broad goals for the business. They have a big overview of the company and are often responsible for building the core team and providing the necessary resources they need.
Role of a co-founder
Co-founders usually share the responsibilities, risks, and rewards of the venture, and they are essential in shaping the company's direction and success. The reasons for becoming a startup co-founder vary widely, depending on the company, but the main roles and motivations can generally be divided into two groups.
What is a CEO?
The CEO is the highest senior executive in the organization and serves as its leader. Typically, the founder or board of directors hires the CEO to oversee the company's daily operations. At the same time, the CEO makes day-to-day decisions about the company. The founder may still be responsible for major business choices. The CEO ensures that the employees work to achieve the company's goals. The CEO is also the face of the organization, so It's important for a CEO to thoroughly understand all the company's activities and ensure that operations run smoothly across all departments.
Role of a CEO
CEOs have different jobs than founders and their responsibilities are more clearly defined. Besides managing the company's day-to-day business operations, the CEO is an important figure. They often set an example for managers and other employees. While some areas of their work may be similar to the founder's, there are also some differences between the positions.
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Conclusion
Titles look great on business cards and social media profiles, they can give you a sense of authority and confidence. However, running the company matters more than your title. A leader's role is to inspire the team and make sure everyone is aligned with the organization's goals and priorities.