The only ethical and correct decision was to resign. First, he’s likely close to 15% of the budget, so problem solved. Second, you join a company either so in

The only ethical and correct decision was to resign. First, he’s likely close to 15% of the budget, so problem solved. Second, you join a company either so incompetent or venal that they didn’t give you notice they were on the verge of a substantial revenue loss. You’re the CTO, you are one of a small team of leaders with biggest stake in company, and supposed to be part of these discussions. Even before your official start day and especially day one. So what was it? They knew this was likely to happen but didn’t tell you because they were afraid you’d back out? They are unethical, liars, untrustworthy, I quit. They didn’t see this coming because the VP of Sales never flagged it as a risk? Ok, the Vp of Sales is either not being transparent or us incompetent, either way fire them, or I quit. The execs at the top of a small startup need to be a team, brutally honest and transparent with each other. No hiding information, working together to solve problems. Or I quit.