Startup CEOs See Salaries Soar

Startup CEO compensation has surged to a record high in 2025, with average salaries rising 14% year-over-year to $161,000, according to data just released by Kruze Consulting.

The findings are derived from anonymized payroll records of 450 venture-backed startups. The annual report from the San Francisco-based accounting and CFO advisory firm also shows a narrowing gender pay gap, marking its smallest margin in five years.

According to Kruze Consulting, the boom in AI startup funding is a key driver of the salary increase. Seed-stage CEO compensation climbed from $132,000 in 2024 to $147,000 in 2025, while Series A startup leaders saw average pay rise from $179,000 to $203,000. However, Series B CEO salaries declined for the third consecutive year, dropping to $214,000 in 2025 from $227,000 the previous year. Kruze believes this downward trend aligns with reduced investor enthusiasm for later-stage firms that have yet to demonstrate accelerated growth.

The shifting investment climate highlights a divide between AI-native startups and those retrofitting AI capabilities into legacy architectures. Newer companies, unencumbered by existing infrastructure, have shown greater agility and scalability—traits that continue to appeal to venture capitalists seeking high-potential early-stage bets.

While male startup CEOs earn an average of $163,000, the gender pay gap has narrowed to $11,000—down from a $45,000 gap in 2020. Salaries for female CEOs rose sharply by 17.8%, from $129,000 in 2024 to $152,000 in 2025, while male salaries increased from $143,000 to $163,000 in the same period.

“The increase in startup CEO salaries reflects a renewed sense of confidence from investors, particularly for those interested in innovative companies and dynamic sectors at the early stage including AI startups, which continue to attract significant attention,” said Vanessa Kruze, the CEO of Kruze Consulting. “It’s encouraging to see that the gender pay gap is continuing to narrow, and we hope it remains on this current trajectory. The signals from this year’s CEO Salary report are that the funding landscape has generally improved from the less favorable conditions in 2024, proof of the resiliency of startups and the value they can provide to investors who are willing to support their growth.”

Kruze Consulting provides accounting, tax, CFO, and financial advisory services to over 800 venture-backed startups across industries including SaaS, fintech, biotech, and e-commerce. The firm also offers other services such as financial modeling, 409A valuations, venture debt consulting, and interim CFO support. Kruze was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in San Francisco.