[OJFord]

I suppose, but it does need some top-level leadership, and those (vs 'head of' or whatever) are reflective of legal structure.

Have you ever seen/heard of one with a DE? My starting point was that it basically/presumably doesn't happen - 'imagine' - and that it would seem weird if it did. If it is fina and normal as you suggest then ok, it is just me (as I said it might be), and I haven't come across it.

[ska]

Of course it needs some leadership, but the multiple "C" levels are mostly just about ego management, very little to do with day-to-day or scope, in practice.

Hell you don't need any C levels at all. The legal structure doesn't require it, corporate directors is not tied to title ... there are few things that have to exist, and it's mostly about who can sign contracts that bind your company.

Fundraising is probably easier if you go out as "CEO" just because expectations are met, but that's a separate issue.