Why does the CEO knowing how to develop software matter? This sounds more like the company was unable to sell the software, either because of product/market fit or some other reason
Because the CEO needs to understand their product deeply to know what is achievable, what isn't, and how easy it is. Many (most?) software products leave simple "duh" type features on the table, while they pursue incredibly difficult and brittle things instead. This can be prevented.
Just like how, IMO, a car company CEO needs to know how a car works very well. They should know enough to gauge that a dual clutch transmission on a 30,000 dollar car is risky and will blow up.
Again, we see this same sort of problem with cars. Cars will have all these incredibly complex bells and whistles. But then the basics, like the engine and transmission, suck ass and break down. And that's why Honda and Toyota eats their lunch.
Just like how, IMO, a car company CEO needs to know how a car works very well. They should know enough to gauge that a dual clutch transmission on a 30,000 dollar car is risky and will blow up.
Again, we see this same sort of problem with cars. Cars will have all these incredibly complex bells and whistles. But then the basics, like the engine and transmission, suck ass and break down. And that's why Honda and Toyota eats their lunch.