Paul Graham on the Benefits of Founder Mode

Paul Graham's recent essay on 'Founder Mode' has sparked widespread discussion in Silicon Valley and beyond, challenging traditional business school wisdom. Graham argues that successful founders, such as Steve Jobs and Brian Chesky, thrive by staying deeply involved in their companies, a concept he terms 'founder mode,' as opposed to the more hands-off 'manager mode.' Women in tech have noted gender disparities in the acceptance of this management style, with many female founders reporting they face criticism for adopting founder mode. Graham's insights have resonated with many in the startup ecosystem, highlighting the unique strengths that founders bring to their companies, which professional managers often fail to replicate. The debate underscores a broader re-evaluation of how startups should be scaled, especially in times of economic uncertainty.