Self funded startup with traction: how to begin hunt for a CEO?

How does a self-funded startup with traction hunt for a good CEO who can help grow it to the next level? VC-funded startups have an advantage since it's the VC who actively sends potential candidates for that role your way.

Self funded startups can't just post ads on job sites looking for a CEO role. What are some ways to go about it?

It will probably depends on your company size and the type of a CEO you are looking for.

Do you want just someone business-savvy to help company grow or do you need industry expertise? Do you need someone with a stellar track record and impressive background to help raise profile of the company to perhaps attract investors? Can you pay a market rate or do you hope to compensate with equity?

I would probably start by expanding my network on LinkedIn and join professional groups in your industry, as well as attend local events for those groups and/or participate in online discussions - you will likely come across profiles or meet people that will seem interesting to you. Tell people in your close network to keep an eye for you as well. Offer candidates to meet in person to discuss "opportunities to collaborate" after engaging in some offline discussions. Screen, rinse, and repeat until you find a perfect fit.

If you're not a funded startup, your best way to find someone to come aboard as CEO is through your own network.

Since you don't have VC backing, you'll need to make up for it with traction. You'll need to prove your business idea and model with a hefty amount of traction.

A CEO role is something that must be filled by someone who wants to come take charge of your ship.

I would suggest creating an AngelList profile even though you don't want to raise money. It'll get you on the radar of high profile angels, who could help connect you to the right potentials.

If you have got traction, you're doing it right. You can keep doing that you got you here -- no need to get a replacement CEO.

Are you having problems scaling? If that's the case, you should look into bringing on relevant advisors instead. Who can give you advice based on their own experience.