Miro Bets on Entrepreneurs to Navigate the AI Era

Miro Strengthens Its Team with Entrepreneurs

Andrey Khusid, the CEO of Miro, recently revealed that the company has integrated around 40 founders into its ranks over the past two and a half years. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at energizing the company in the age of artificial intelligence. Among Miro's 1,600 employees, these former founders bring valuable innovation capacity and agility.

Khusid explained that the decision to hire entrepreneurs responds to a need for transformation in the face of challenges posed by AI. In an interview with Business Insider, he specified that Miro decided to add more entrepreneurs to its team. These hires do not involve individual entrepreneurs or freelancers, but founders with a clear vision and defined goals.

A Bold Recruitment Strategy

Miro has recently adjusted its recruitment strategy to include more entrepreneurs, according to Khusid. About 40 of them have joined the company, contributing to the diversity of skills within the team. Miro, which reached a valuation of $17.5 billion in 2022, has brought some of this talent on board through acquisitions. For example, Jeff Chow, former product director of Freehand and CEO of InVision, now holds a key position at Miro. Similarly, Tony Beltramelli, co-founder of Uizard, has been hired to lead AI efforts.

Khusid emphasized that in the current uncertain economic climate, entrepreneurs are often better prepared to navigate uncertainty. Their experience allows them to adapt quickly without requiring constant guidance, a major asset for Miro. The CEO expressed satisfaction with the group of founders at the company. He added that while it doesn't make sense to build a workforce entirely composed of entrepreneurs, having a critical mass is crucial to positively influence the organizational culture.

The Importance of an Agile Team

Miro's focus on entrepreneurs aligns with its desire to reinvent itself in an AI-dominated world. Since its founding in 2011, Miro has evolved from a simple digital whiteboard to a collaborative workspace enriched by artificial intelligence. Khusid stated that this transformation is essential to remain competitive. Whereas users previously placed content on a Miro board to collaborate with colleagues, they can now collaborate with both colleagues and specialized AI agents on a shared digital canvas.

During the pandemic, Miro experienced exponential growth, increasing from 5 million to 50 million users, a figure that has since doubled. This rapid expansion reflects the growing appeal of the platform.

Khusid is looking for candidates who can manage risk and demonstrate mental agility. These qualities are crucial to keep pace with technological innovations. He emphasized that while developers need to have a deep understanding of systemic architecture, mental flexibility has become equally vital. "Mental agility is our guiding principle," he concluded.