In reflecting back on the past six months one conclusion I come to is that I need to be more aggressive in my outreach. I had used this blog solely for the documentation of my thoughts and experiences. However, as I restart my search, I recognize that this blog has accumulated a reasonably-sized readership over a broad geographic area. I’ve therefore decided to write this post clearly stating what I am looking for and what I bring to the table. If any readers are aware of either appropriate opportunities or other people with whom I should talk please let me know. I can be reached at ronn.kliger@gmail.com
What I’m looking for: an early-stage startup
I define “early stage” startup as one that does not yet have any products on the market. My involvement could be either by joining an existing startup or founding my own. Below are the key characteristics I’m seeking:
- A leadership position (VP-level or above)
- A focus on marketing and/or product development or, alternatively, a general management position
- The development and commercialization of new technology involving electronic components or systems
What I bring to the table: experience, commitment, and low risk
Experience
Throughout my career, from my time as an RF engineer, to a project manager, and to a general manager I’ve always focused on the development or commercialization of new technology. The best example of this was the ten year span in which I started and grew Analog Devices’ iCoupler business. This experience involved all of the key activities I am looking to repeat within a startup context: selecting focus markets and delivered benefits, defining products and product roadmaps, building a customer base, recruiting/developing/managing teams, and leading an organization’s execution.
Commitment
I have prepared myself for this career change and I am committed to working at an early-stage startup. In January, after 16 years at my previous job, I left it specifically for this purpose. Leading up to that point I had prepared myself and my family for this change from a variety of perspectives: financial, lifestyle, emotional, etc. My two children are grown and have left the house. I’m therefore able to commit a large amount of time to a new enterprise and am also open to relocation—both within the U.S. or to many foreign countries. Bottom line, whatever startup I end up at will get someone who is both willing and able to stay the course for the long term.
Reduced Risk
What I am alluding to here is my financial flexibility and what it implies to either an existing startup or potential co-founders. As noted above I have prepared for this career change and am in a position where I am not under pressure to immediately replace my previous income. What this means to an existing startup are two things. First, I am able to engage initially on a trial, no/low-cost basis to evaluate fit. (This turned out to be important in a recent experience I wrote about here.) Second, if/when things progress to a permanent engagement I have a large degree of flexibility in terms establishing the appropriate cash/equity mix.
For potential co-founders the implications are in terms of getting a new venture off the ground—both in terms of keeping expenses low as well as contributing seed capital.
In Closing
As I restart my search I thought it useful to describe at a high level what I am seeking and what I have to offer. I have intentionally left out details on my experience to prevent this from reading like a resume. (My LinkedIn profile can be viewed here.) Having said that, I am happy to discuss my interests and qualifications in greater detail with any interested party.