I've been at 4 startups, ground floor at 2, executive level at 3. You know the answer to this, talk to your most friendly board member/investor. If he's not

I've been at 4 startups, ground floor at 2, executive level at 3. You know the answer to this, talk to your most friendly board member/investor. If he's not receptive to trying an experiment, it's doubtful anyone else will, at that point you either decide to stick with the current business, or leave and start the other business. Just because he doesn't like the experiment idea doesn't mean he may not stake you in the new venture. Also if you were not hand picked as the CEO, you might find that leaving is met with happiness. Just like you the board/investor always think there is something better to be had, so they might be happy to get an upgrade at CEO, or think they can get an upgrade.