The news: Equity crowdfunding platform Birchal’s chief executive and co-founder Matt Vitale has stepped down from the role after eight years.
The context: The company said Vitale decided to step down to focus on his health and wellbeing, and to spend time with his family.
Techstars managing director Kirstin Hunter has been appointed as CEO transition lead in an advisory role, effective immediately, while the company searches for a new CEO.
In November, Birchal appointed Crowdcube founder Darren Westlake as strategic advisor and former Investible chief executive Rod Bristow as non-executive director.
What they said: “The reality is that building a business comes at a great cost — it requires an extraordinary commitment and takes a personal toll. Over the years, we’ve navigated immense challenges, and while my resilience and stamina have often felt limitless, in 2024, I found my limit — and pushed past it,” Vitale said in a post on LinkedIn.
“Birchal is now in an incredible position, with a fantastic team steering the ship into calmer waters as economic conditions improve. I’m confident that the best is yet to come for Birchal, and I’m excited to watch the team achieve even greater milestones.
As for me, I’m a bit broken. I need time to repair and recuperate. I’ve realized the importance of stepping back to prioritize my health and well-being, so for now, I’ll focus on mastering the art of being still (or at least trying!), and spending more time with those I love.”
