Career path. 20M Founder, Just sold startup

New
akkah

New

akkah
Oct 1, 2020 14 Comments

20M founder just had my seed-stage startup acquihired. Never went to college, launched a company right after HS. I was CEO and acted as ops, product manager, and fundraising. My startup was in the consumer voice tech space (Alexa/Google type stuff) and we raised some capital.

Looking to break into FAANG or IPO'd startup as a PM or operations. Thoughts on a career path from PM to Manager/Director role?

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TOP 14 Comments
  • Is this a humble brag
    Oct 1, 2020 0
  • Retire and consult for other startups trying to have your success.

    Congrats!!
    Oct 1, 2020 1
    • New
      akkah

      New

      akkah
      OP
      Haha can’t retire. Still need to work!
      Oct 1, 2020
  • Brillio
    2em-c2!

    Go to company page Brillio

    2em-c2!
    Startup one more time maybe?? Why the fuck would you want to work for someone else now?
    Oct 1, 2020 2
    • Google
      simaAunty

      Go to company page Google

      simaAunty
      $$$
      Oct 1, 2020
    • New
      akkah

      New

      akkah
      OP
      Most $$$ and want the exposure of seeing how a large operation is run. I didn’t make too much $$$ from the sale since it was an acquihire.
      Oct 1, 2020
  • Brillio
    2em-c2!

    Go to company page Brillio

    2em-c2!
    If you can build a startup that can exit at just $10M valuation after 5 years and you own 20% you’ll make $2M. You wont make that money at the job without burning out in that time.
    Oct 1, 2020 0
  • Google
    PancakeCaz

    Go to company page Google

    PancakeCaz
    That's awesome! Are you trying to jump directly into a PM/Director Role right now? (Didn't quite understand your timeline in your question.)

    If so, you will have a hard time trying to get a high level role at an established company because of age, no college degree, and limited years of experience. You can do anything when you actually own the company...but that's not enough to get roles in FAANG. You have to show a track record of success in multiple environments.

    I say look at business, operations, associate manager, or even analyst type roles. Also, not sure FAANG will hire a manager or director without a college degree? Competition is too steep. Wouldn't hurt to get one, even if it's online-only or cheap. Minimum requirements on most job ads I see say a Bachelor's is needed.
    Oct 1, 2020 2
    • New
      akkah

      New

      akkah
      OP
      Thanks for the response! I’d try to jump right into a PM or entry level product / ops role then work my way into management/director role.
      Oct 1, 2020
    • Google
      PancakeCaz

      Go to company page Google

      PancakeCaz
      Oh ok, that sounds more doable lol
      Oct 1, 2020