Ask HN: CTO of a $10M Company or SDM of a $150B Company? Asking for a friend... "Should I jump ship from my great corporate job as an engineering lead/manager to go run the technology operations of a nearly-profitable pre-Series-A SaaS startup?" Both offer similar technical challenges, problems to solve, etc. Both have similar compensation. Thoughts? |
If you can handle the risk and stress, the CTO job will likely be more rewarding.
That said, it's absolutely critical to find a mentor outside of the company to lean on. It's likely that your peers will know nothing about running engineering teams, and having an experienced voice of reason can make-or-break your experience.
I'm an experienced manager, but this is still a hugely important point. Mentor relationships are really underrated.
If the startup is loosing money, no matter how small. You would be under a titanic amounts of stress. Though I can't really judge the future potential of the startup based on the information you have provided. I'd say stay put. Use the spare energy and sanity to work on your own side projects.
$150B must be coming with more BS but more benefits.
If you are in a mood to relax, ofc $150B company.
If you want total control, $10M sounds more fun.