The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch 20VC: Deel CEO Alex Bouaziz on Raising $300M+ at a $17BN Valuation | Deel vs Rippling: WTF is Going On | Management Lessons from Ben Horowitz and Nik Storonsky | Deel's M&A Playbook: Lessons from 13 Acquisitions: What Works & What Doesn't
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Oct 22, 2025 
Alex Bouaziz, Co-founder and CEO of Deel, discusses his company's incredible $300M fundraise and $17BN valuation. He dives into the competitive landscape with Rippling, sharing insights on their ongoing legal battles. Bouaziz offers a fresh take on leadership, advocating for hands-on approaches over traditional 1:1s. He also explores Deel's M&A strategy, detailing lessons from 13 acquisitions and the importance of integrating quickly. Plus, he reflects on the emotional significance of payroll and how it shapes human connections.
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Raise For Strategic Optionality
- Raise capital when it unlocks strategic value, not just because you need cash.
- Use rounds to bring top-tier partners and fuel M&A and product moves that accelerate your roadmap.
Win In Market, Win In Court
- Public noise and legal battles don't determine product-market success.
- Focus on customers and facts; winning in the market will translate to strength in court.
Be Hands-On To Enable Teams
- Stay hands-on to spot operational flaws and prioritize fixes.
- Enable teams by removing blockers and giving direct, constant feedback instead of formal, infrequent one-on-ones.