From Code to CEO
Roee Kriger, Co-Founder & CEO of Metis, has spent years in the tech industry, with a strong background in engineering and product leadership roles before founding Metis. In a recent episode of Tech Salescraft, James sat down with Roee and shared insights on the challenges and rewards of transitioning from engineering to being a CEO, especially in the turbulent world of startups.
The Evolution of Product to CEO
Roee’s journey from engineering to product management was driven by his passion for understanding the “why” behind building products. This passion naturally evolved into founding Metis, a company focused on empowering developers to master their databases. However, the transition from product management to leading a company has been anything but simple. Roee highlights the challenge of knowing where to focus at each stage of the company’s growth. As a CEO, it’s crucial to be where you can add the most value—whether that’s in product development, building a team, or go-to-market strategies.
“The hardest part is to know at each stage where to focus as a CEO. It’s a journey of constantly shifting your priorities to where you bring the most value.”
Unicorns in the Making
Roee’s perspective on the startup ecosystem, particularly in Israel, is that it’s a breeding ground for innovation, with founders getting younger and more ambitious. However, the path to becoming a unicorn is fraught with challenges, particularly in today’s economic climate. Startups must navigate a landscape where access to funding is tighter, and investors are more cautious. Roee emphasises that the key to success lies in finding the right market fit and focusing on distribution as much as product development.
Sales, Strategy, and CEOs
One of the significant shifts for Roee as a CEO has been the need to focus on sales and distribution—a departure from his earlier roles that were more product-centric. He acknowledges that understanding how to take a product to market and win customers is a critical, yet challenging, aspect of leading a startup. This mindset shift is essential for any first-time entrepreneur who must learn that building a product is just the beginning; distributing it effectively is where the real challenge lies.
Looking Ahead
For Metis, the next 18 months are critical. The company is focused on acquiring new customers, establishing strong revenue streams, and preparing for future funding rounds. Roee is optimistic but realistic, acknowledging that the journey of building a successful startup is long and requires adaptability, resilience, and a relentless focus on solving the right problems.
Roee’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those transitioning from technical roles to leadership. His experience underscores the importance of adaptability, strategic focus, and a deep understanding of market dynamics in the pursuit of startup success.