This former Navy SEAL spent 5 years in private equity working 100-hour weeks before quitting and building a $9 billion startup

Dino Mavrookas, a 46-year-old former Navy SEAL, has built a multi-faceted career that includes roles as a private-equity investor and CEO of a $9.25 billion defense-tech startup, Saronic. After working for Vista Equity Partners for five years and putting in long hours, Mavrookas questioned whether he wanted to continue on the same path.

Deciding to quit his job, he focused his energy on building Saronic, an autonomous maritime vehicle company based in Austin. Today, the Austin-based firm has grown to over 1,000 employees and boasts a $9.25 billion valuation. Mavrookas believes his background in the military has greatly influenced his approach to business, emphasizing the importance of making quick decisions with the information available.