Last week, I achieved something rather unexpected: I hired Mike, my boss and a Senior Business Development Manager, to be a part of my startup—and all for a modest amount of equity. The irony isn't lost on me.
Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to intern in business development at a Singapore-based tech startup. My goal was to deepen my understanding of startups and sharpen my business acumen, especially since I'd had some setbacks in my own entrepreneurial endeavors.
That’s when I met Mike. From the get-go, our professional relationship was seamless. So impressed was he by my entrepreneurial spirit that he offered me his business card during our initial interview, suggesting I reach out if I needed employment.
I was fortunate enough to land the job, which allowed me to work closely with Mike. He turned out to be more than just a proficient manager; he excelled in business development, sales, and marketing, earning him the status of the company's top performer.
Recognizing our shared interests and effective teamwork, I saw the potential for something greater. I summoned the courage to schedule a one-on-one meeting where I pitched my startup idea to him. Before I could even conclude, Mike enthusiastically agreed to come onboard.
So here I am, an intern not long ago, now partnering with someone who has years of experience over me. It's an exciting and curious twist, and I can’t wait to see the synergy we'll generate and the impact we’ll have. Keep an eye out for us!