Ask HN: Is it a bad thing to go around a recruiter?

A few months ago I recieved a connection request on LinkedIn from the CEO of a small startup in CA. I thought nothing of it other than checking out their product (which I found to be a good idea and well executed).

Fast forward to yesterday and I recieved an e-mail from a recruiter working with the startup, saying the CEO is interested in talking to me.

The company is well funded and after reviewing the employees on LinkedIn they seem like the talented bunch of people I'd like to surround myself with.

My question is whether I should reply to the recruiter or reach out to the CEO directly?

This is a job I'm definitely interested in pursueing and I want to make sure I'm going about this the right way.