founder mode

English

Etymology

Coined by Paul Graham, co-founder of Y Combinator, in an essay where he described a leadership style characterized by a hands-on, deeply involved approach to running a company, in 2024.

Noun

founder mode (plural founder modes)

  1. (business, technology, neologism) A management style where the founder of a company is involved in all aspects of the business, rather than delegating responsibilities to managers. [from 2024]
    • 2024 September 11, Allison Morrow, “‘Founder mode’ is the latest Silicon Valley buzzword telling toxic bosses they’re greatThe King of the Geezer Teasers”, in CNN[1]:
      The battle over “founder mode” versus “manager mode” is one of those manufactured dramas that only a small segment of the world cares about — like going to Davos or Cannes or the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.