I Got Fired From My Own Startup

I quit a comfortable, well-paying job as an engineering manager to chase my dream of starting a business. A year later, I was fired from my own startup because my co-founders couldn't stand each other.

I left a comfortable engineering manager position to launch a startup after my daughter was born. I joined an Antler cohort in Finland and partnered with a CEO to build project management software for the legal industry.

Initial Development

The team initially focused on legal project management but struggled with product-market fit. After months of customer feedback, we pivoted to AI-assisted timekeeping software for lawyers—a solution that resonated better with prospects.

Team Conflict

Despite the product pivot showing promise, internal tensions escalated between the CEO and CMO. Three core issues emerged:

• The CEO's lack of focus and avoidance of investor outreach
• The CMO's frustration with the CEO's dismissive leadership style
• Unresolved team conflicts that undermined collaboration

The Breaking Point

After the CMO departed, the CEO demanded I commit "100% in or out," eliminating a previously agreed part-time arrangement for parental responsibilities. Unable to balance family obligations with the startup's demands, I was effectively fired for prioritizing my daughter.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on Simple, Lovable, Complete products over feature-heavy MVPs
• Conduct thorough customer interviews
• Prioritize open team communication
• Reconsider VC-backed startups while raising young children