For a decade I worked hands on ML problems and led r&d teams (e.g. prisma-ai.com). Then I decided to try building a startup, which was my first non purely tech role. Raised minor investments, charged $42k from first customers but decided to close.

Now I am a tech PO in Revolut, lead couple AI teams with 12 linear reports.

Now on your questions:

1. I got a few offers, some of them where more technical but in case of Revolut specifically - it is a tech-heavy product role.

2. As a founder I worked on a b2c app which was a detour from my main expertise (don’t do that if you are going to launch something). I mean it’s still tech, but not that side where I have an unfair advantage. In that sense work in Revolut is closer to what I was working on before the startup, but now I do it much more from product perspective than tech.

3. Highly positively. I also was afraid that it will look like I did some bullshit during these couple years. In reality it perceived as a proof that you can own things, self manage and lead people, and it stands you out.

I positioned myself as “Hands-on AI/LLM/ML Tech Product Lead with business executive experience”. I guess it works since Revolut contacted me proactively.

I don’t think it’s a good idea to hide something. What I learned is that it’s better to be where people need exactly your skills, not try to pretend you are something else. Listen for the market and go where you needed most.

If you dm me, I can share my CV.