Honestly, early on in a startup it is rare to have such specialization. That usually happens later. Usually early on you have 1-2-3 jack of all trades that ca

Honestly, early on in a startup it is rare to have such specialization. That usually happens later. Usually early on you have 1-2-3 jack of all trades that can and are willing to do whatever so the chances loosing one causes that kind of disruption is rare. Although it is not unheard of, and if so, there are ways to manage. As others already said, you first counter with reasonable offers but only as a means to replace the person, as let's be totally honest, a founder shouldn't consider this a long term resolution as the employee already showed they want to leave so expect they will want to leave in the relatively near future too. Outside of this, funded startups many times turn to advisors and investors to help them find a qualified candidate. And when not possible they may use a recruiter to find a person. For all the shit recruiters take, they have a place in the market, otherwise they wouldn't be there.