The Morning Brief ET in the Valley: Alex Bouaziz, Co-Founder & CEO at Deel
Dec 24, 2025
In this conversation, Alex Bouaziz, co-founder and CEO of Deel, delves into the evolution of his global HR and payroll platform, now operating in over 150 countries. He shares insights on navigating early pivots, the significance of 'founder–product fit,' and Deel's expansion plans, particularly in India. Alex discusses the surge in demand for tech and AI talent, the impact of stricter U.S. immigration laws, and how Deel maintains a competitive edge with extensive payroll infrastructure. Tune in for a fascinating look at the future of remote work!
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How Deel Started From Personal Frustration
- Alex recounts that Deel began six years ago to connect global talent with opportunities outside Silicon Valley.
- He built the product from personal experience of knowing talented friends who lacked local access to top jobs.
Founder-Product Fit Drives Focus
- Founder-product fit means the founder has a deep personal connection to the problem they solve.
- Alex Bouaziz says that personal attachment helped Deel move fast and stay focused through hard times.
Choose Problems You Personally Know
- Work on problems you personally understand to sustain long, intense founder journeys.
- Prioritize customer obsession that stems from your lived experience to build product momentum quickly.