He managed 120 people at Meta. Now, he's walking away from Big Tech to join Lovable — here's why.

Patrik Torstensson, who previously led a 120-member engineering team at Meta’s London office, has chosen to step away from the expansive realm of Big Tech to join Lovable, an emerging AI startup based in Stockholm. Torstensson expressed that within such a large organization, he often felt more like a passenger than a driver. "In a company that big, you're more a passenger than a driver," he shared in a conversation with Business Insider, reflecting on his experience at Meta. His decision to transition was significantly influenced by the rapid evolution of AI and the desire to have a more impactful role in a smaller, dynamic environment. As of April 7, he has taken on the position of head of engineering at Lovable, a platform that empowers users to create apps and websites using AI technology. Lovable has gained substantial traction, achieving a valuation of $6.6 billion following a $330 million funding round in December. Recently, the startup reported a remarkable surge in annual recurring revenue, jumping from $300 million to $400 million in just one month. This growth has set the stage for expansion, with plans to increase its workforce from approximately 146 to around 400 employees by the end of 2023. Torstensson is particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute to what he describes as a 'generational company.' He believes in the potential to empower individuals without technical backgrounds to become builders and create their own projects. Lovable has already facilitated the development of over 40 million projects on its platform, with more than 200,000 new projects initiated daily. The competitive landscape for AI talent remains fierce, with both established tech giants and burgeoning startups vying for skilled professionals. Despite recent layoffs in major tech companies, the allure of startups is growing, as they offer the possibility of equity stakes and a chance to leave a personal mark on innovative products. Lovable’s CEO, Anton Osika, emphasized that Torstensson’s hiring signifies a pivotal moment in the company’s journey. "We're past figuring out if this works. Now we're building the organization that carries it forward," he stated. Torstensson appreciates the startup's vibrant culture, which he describes as having 'Silicon Valley intensity' paired with a strong sense of teamwork. After spending over a decade in Silicon Valley and London, he is eager to return to Sweden, feeling the pull to contribute back to his home country. "I've always had a feeling that I wanted to give back to Europe and Sweden," he remarked, noting the importance of family as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.