In a new video from May 19, 2023, renowned tech YouTuber Linus talks about his resignation as CEO of his companies, the reasons behind the decision, how the channel will proceed, and who his successor will be. A rejected sales offer is also discussed.
Who is it about?
- The 36-year-old Canadian Linus Gabriel Sebastian is known as the founder and owner of the YouTube channel “Linus Tech Tips.”
- The channel mainly focuses on hardware and helpful gadgets that he and his team test and showcase.
- With over 15 million subscribers, Linus Tech Tips is the largest YouTube channel dedicated to technology. The videos regularly reach 1-2 million views. The most successful videos on the channel have even garnered 22 million, 14 million, and 12 million clicks.
- For one of his projects, Linus repaired the PC of Twitch streamer xQc.
Linus resigns as CEO but stays with the channel
What is changing on the channel? Linus Sebastian announced in a video on May 19, 2023, that after 10 years, he will resign as CEO of the companies behind the channel, “Linus Media Group,” “Creator Warehouse,” and “Floatplane Media,” as of July 1.
His successor as CEO of the companies will be Taran Tong, who has already worked with Linus when he was still at NCIX and will work on a contractual basis. Taran Tong was Linus’s boss back then and is described by him as ‘uniquely qualified’ because he has managed the challenging task of overseeing Linus.
Linus himself, however, wants to remain with the channel; he can only no longer fulfill the tasks of the CEO – he is tired. Instead, Linus will be the “Chief Vision Officer.” The new role will focus on his strengths, such as designing content or product ideas and solving problems.
Will Linus continue to appear on camera? Yes, he even gives the prospect that if everything goes ideally, he might be able to appear more on camera than before.
Linus declines 100 million dollars because it would not change his lifestyle
Why is Linus resigning as CEO? Linus says he was never cut out for the position of CEO. He lacks the temperament and the eye for detail to run such a large company. He can no longer do it, is tired, and would likely destroy himself, the company, and the community if he continued to do it for another 10 years.
If I try to drag myself through management for another 10 years, I know I will destroy myself and probably ruin the company and the community I love so much.
Linus Sebastian via YouTube
Furthermore, Linus reassures the fans of the channel and explains that there has been no company takeover. He and his wife Yvonne remain the sole shareholders and directors of the companies.
Although there was a significant sales offer of 100 million dollars, the couple declined. According to Linus, the money would not change much about the couple’s lifestyle.
Moreover, they love the company and its employees and do not believe their mission is complete yet.
In the past, Linus spoke about having declined a nine-figure amount. At that time, he feared that he would regret the decision one day.
