Spent several hours in preparation and interviews with this team’s executives. Got a terse email at the end stating they’d chosen a candidate that better fit their intended exit strategy. The market exit they’re seeking is exactly the same as a ton of other U.S. companies with more differentiated products than theirs. M&A landscape has also changed so they’re fighting multiple uphill battles. And is cultural fit truly important? Seems like they’re trying to hire big consulting profiles versus following their documented process. The team should clearly state their intentions before interviewing candidates. The current process makes them look young and inexperienced.