Why I Left Google to Build My Own AI Startup

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The Tech Trek

Elevano

565 episodes

1 day ago

The Tech Trek explores the intersection of People, Impact, and Technology — how engineering leaders build high-performing teams, deliver real outcomes, and shape the future of innovation. Hosted by Amir Bormand, founder of Elevano, the show features CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and technical leaders sharing candid insights on leadership, scaling, and building technology organizations that last. Each episode uncovers the decisions, lessons, and mindsets that separate good teams from great ones — and the people who make technology move forward.

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Why I Left Google to Build My Own AI Startup

The Tech Trek

32 minutes 51 seconds

1 month ago

Why I Left Google to Build My Own AI Startup

What happens when a 17-year Google veteran starts over with a 10-person AI startup? David Petrou, founder and CEO of Continua AI, joins Amir to unpack what it really takes to go from Big Tech stability to startup chaos. They dive into what to keep, what to unlearn, and how to build a high-performing team when everyone has to wear ten hats.

From career ladders to “vibe coding,” David shares a candid look at the tradeoffs, mindset shifts, and hard lessons behind scaling something new in AI.

Key Takeaways

• Career ladders are a luxury—startups win by hiring for adaptability and shared ownership, not rigid progression.

• Moving from Big Tech to startup means trading resources for speed—and rediscovering why building things is fun again.

• Productivity at small teams thrives on decisive action and ruthless prioritization, not endless debate.

• AI is transforming software development—but human experience still defines whether the tools actually deliver.

• The best retention strategy in a startup: keep the work interesting and the problems worth solving.

Timestamped Highlights

[00:48] How Continua AI brings “social AI” into group chats

[05:35] Why hiring for collaboration beats hiring for raw talent

[08:51] The real gap between Big Tech engineers and startup engineers

[11:19] What David had to unlearn after 17 years at Google

[18:58] How limited resources force sharper technical decision-making

[22:32] Productivity at early-stage startups—making faster decisions and moving forward

[26:41] “Vibe coding,” AI-assisted development, and why experienced engineers adapt faster

Memorable Moment

“It’s much better to be a few degrees off from optimal and moving fast than stuck in indecision for two weeks.” — David Petrou

Pro Tips

When hiring for an early-stage startup, focus less on titles or ladders and more on whether the person thrives without structure. The ability to figure things out independently is the best predictor of success.

Call to Action

If this episode gave you a fresh take on startup leadership, share it with someone thinking about making the leap from Big Tech to founder life. Follow The Tech Trek for weekly insights from leaders shaping the future of tech and AI.