When Your Best Employee Quits to Start a Company? Hell Yeah!
Most founders fear this moment. I hoped for it.
Many founders live in fear of one thing: that their top talent will leave and start their own company.
I wasn’t afraid of that. I expected it.
What I actually feared was this: that they’d leave, start something great—and not invite me to join as a co-founder or investor.
Why I love to walk and talk
At Divante, I developed a habit. I’d take promising people for a walk, chat about life, and casually say:
"Hey, if you ever think about starting your own thing, just let me know. I’ll help."
And I meant it.
Several Divante team members went on to build amazing startups. In more than a few of them, I became a co-founder or investor. Their combined value now far exceeds Divante’s.
Founders: support your future founders
If you’re an entrepreneur, you’ve got two big opportunities:
- Help your team become entrepreneurs.
That’s not a threat—it’s a legacy. - Be their first investor.
If you’ve built a great company, you’re surrounded by smart, ambitious people. Why not bet on them?
Employees: don’t hide your ambition
Thinking of starting something on your own? Don’t be afraid to say it out loud.
You might be surprised—your current boss might just write your first check.
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