How do you pick a startup to work for? How do you make the bet it’s going to grow or fail? I’m told I should pursue startups but I’m admittedly nervous about getting hired to one that fails and being jobless. I’ve worked for big companies that don’t grow or fail rapidly - it’s all pretty steady.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

The experience win or fail is invaluable. You’ll be telling your story and contributions for years to come. It’s even better if you’re excited about the mission.

Ask about the revenue and how much they’ve raised or expecting to raise. What their strategy is for growth or finding product market fit.

You could lose a job even at the biggest companies right now. Take a gamble and learn how the sausage is made and decide what you want out of this experience. Who knows maybe you’ll become a VP or start your own business.

likeuplifting

Everyone has made some great points. I’d just like to add two more ideas. It all comes down to your appetite for risk, more risk higher upside. Not sure if needed but some context for how startups raise vc money, it generally goes seed round, series A, B, C, D and so on. The closer you are to seed, the risker it is but higher the upside. When you’re interviewing, interview the startup on things like funding, their current financial state and what they expect in regard to employee equity. Have them explain how they structure employee equity and do some googling to check.
Second point is to heavily focus on a good founder and culture fit. If it is a smaller startup, any founder worth their salt will be interviewing every final round candidate. Evaluate the founder(s), if they have repeat exits from previous successful startups that’s a very good thing.
Overall, based on what you said, I’d tell you to look at primarily more mature startups (series B and on) and just trust your gut - if it doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t. Look for startups working on something you’re personally passionate about and take a risk, the experience is worth it.

smartlike

I’d focus on four issues: (1) industry; (2) size; (3) fit and (4) location. From the above, you’ve got (2) already picked - you want a company that’s raised > Series C and is a safer bet. It’s easier to enter startup would here anyways - more need for the consultant skill set, lower risk, and you get your feet wet with startups (really, scale ups at this point) and build a skill set that will make you highly recruitable to early stage startups should you want to do so in the future.

Once you know the size, look for companies in an industry you’re interested / experienced in and with a mission / roles that might work for you. Do you want fintech? digital health? Food? Logistics? Etc. see what jobs they have open on their career page, look at recent hires on LinkedIn, try to ping any second degree connections that work there.

Finally, location matters more to some than others. I don’t want to move to SF or NYC unless it’s for a dream job at this stage of my life, but it’s where most of the funding and talent are. Other industries have hubs (Seattle, Boston, SD, Austin, Miami, Etc.). This might be even more important to you than industry, so worth considering.

like

The experience is great no matter what happens. Truly invaluable…. And, if you end up loving the startup environment like I did, you’ll continue to grow and expand in that world. I just moved to a new (for me) startup because my previous employer was getting too far from that startup feel. I was drawn to this particular company because I absolutely believe in their technology and what they are trying to do - I am aligned and on board with their mission and vision.

like

Ditto to everyone saying it’s invaluable whether the startup succeeds or fails. I left a boring agency job for a startup that failed six months after I got there, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. I loved wearing a bunch of hats, having a mile-long to-do list, and generally having autonomy to help figure out what was important for the company. I’m now looking for another startup to join. If anyone is looking for a solid creative leader, DM me! 😀

likefunny

Flip a coin

like

Financials, total addressable market, and year over growth. If they’re not will to share the revenue their driving, big red flag.

like

Evaluate the people leading sales… CRO and VP. They should have a long history of success and possibly prior exits.

But how to find start-up companies?

My fave is
https://angel.co/

Find a startup through your network. Working with someone you have worked with in the past who has a track record means your risk is lower and chance of success higher

After finding the opportunities/startups I was interested in, at minimum I would:
• Look up their profile/recent activity on CB/Pitckbook/TC for red flags
• Check out the backgrounds of their founders and leadership
• Check out their funding, then research the VCs
• See if anyone in my network has any insight/experience with them

For me, I wasn't looking to join a startup specifically, but if I was going to join a startup, I'd want something that was more established. I focused on Series C and later (keep in mind this doesn't always reflect company culture, it was just my layperson's barometer).

This is likely frowned upon, but I asked about runway during my final rounds of interviews of a Series B. I'm not sure if that was a great way to ask about stability, but they were very forthcoming. I didn't end up joining (went with an E), I appreciated their transparency.

Hi,
I'm about to accept an offer from a start up, and I've only worked for Fortune 500 companies. I had the same questions & worries as well. But I feel good & confident about joining this one & look forward to more of a casual culture. This kind of happened by accident I just applied to the role on LinkedIn, and later found out it was a start up. It is a mature start up though - series D. And they recently got more funding. Look the companies up in crunchbase & comparably to see their financials, funding & culture. To look for jobs in start ups I would use Venturesome. All the best!

Related Posts

I am a Reliability Maintenance 3P contractor for Amazon. I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering on June 2022. I’ve been working with Amazon for a year, but there’s a lack of prospective EE positions within the company. The job postings I see are either less or barely above my current salary. I’m not sure if staying longer is beneficial for my future career as an Electrical engineer. I plan on getting my FE license within the next 6 months. Any suggestions will be appreciated

like

What are the exciting exit opps in the GTA area like, specifically in the Tech space? Startups / FAANGS?

like

I’m on the consulting side (FDD) and I’m curious if there are PE firms with good WLB. I’m happy with my pay, growth, and hours. PE interests me but I don’t understand why anyone would want to consistently work 65+ hours a week every week. What’s the appeal? Making double the pay? What’s the exit plan?

like

I’m taking the CFP exam Nov 8th. All tips/tricks welcomed !!

Thank you so much.

like

If I have 6 yoe as a Tax Senior, is there any chance I can come in as Tax Manager starting off?

like
like

I need some advice. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration with 20 plus years working in different Healthcare roles. I am working as a PBM Claim Specialist. What other positions can I apply for that is fully remote and better pay? Side note I am thinking of applying to nursing school sometime later down the line. Any advice will be greatly appreciated .

like

Hi, I am considering two offers in Strategy Consulting (MBB) and PE (Tier 1 European fund) for a first job post studies based in Europe. Do you have any insights/advice on what I should consider to make my decision (compensation, career opportunities, professional development, work-life balance etc) based on your experience?Thanks!

like

Looking to specialize in privacy and was considering getting the CIPP/CIPM/CIPT. I already have my CISSP and CISA. Is it worth it?

like

How many times do you think about quitting per day?

like

What do companies ask, for a Designer to become a Design/Creative Lead. I've seen Ppl getting promoted to Lead in 10+ years in some companies and just 5-6 years in some companies. Any idea?

How to switch from manual testing to automation testing?
Can anybody guide on the same?

like

I need to switch teams or firms. Been here for a year and no development or projects with my team. Gay network help! Lol

like

At each increment/appraisal management giving excuses for not giving a good hike they say kindly add more degree/certification to your profile
Why don't they advise these thing the whole year

They only give more n more load of work during the time and say take more responsibilities do work independently the more experience you have the bigger your ctc will be but things change

I’m a pharmacist and currently doing an MBA. I have only 2 YOE as a pharmacist and I’m trying to find a career path that will suit me. I completely regret choosing pharmacy and I want to reorient myself. Any advices as where to start applying? ( FYI I particularly enjoyed finance during the master)

like

Iam 5 month pregnant , thinking to get release from project due to health issue and taking maternity leave from april 1st, at this situation can I be in bench for 3 months and go in maternity leave ? Will this affect my job in Accenture? Will the organization allow to be in bench for 3 months? If iam in bench during maternity leave will i get variable pay

like

Why is it so hard to move out of federal consulting and into the private sector?

like

What are some good resources you use to expand your skill sets and stay knowledgeable?

Context: I did a career switch from finance into marketing and am constantly looking for ways to improve and learn more

like

Any advice for a young engineer trying to land their very first job out of college?

likesmart

More Posts

From a financial standpoint in this market, which would be a better approach in Austin -

1. Buy a ~8-850k house that meets most of our ideal criteria (size, schools, interiors etc) to stay long term

2. Buy a ~5-550k house that’s not ideal with the plan of moving into an ideal home in 4-5 years when kid is ready for school.

How easy is it to get a mortgage for the second home?

Household income - 300k

Happy to add more details as needed

Thanks

Just signed an offer, putting my two weeks in tomorrow. Anyone have tips in making some “I’m leaving” conversations less...awkward?

like

Appeared for an interview in TCS on 7th april and after that no mail communication, only phone calls to upload documents. Uploaded documents and it is showing in verified stage. Status in portal still showing "Resume Shortlisted", what is that mean??

like

Hey all 👋🏻 I’m looking for a referral for the Named Account Executive - Large Enterprise Banking @ Salesforce. I currently work in commercial banking for TD as an account manager and have over 3 years experience in banking and 4 in finance. Anyone have advice to get an interview?

like

Thanks for making this page!!

like

Bofa vs fractal va tiger .
Please let me know which one to go for and why?
Payscale is almost same but i am looking for job security and wlb

like
like

Where does the bulk of your budget come from? Perkins? How do you supplement anything your budget can’t afford?

like

How's everyone's Saturday going? Any special plans for the weekend?

like

Hi guy please help i got laptop from publicis which is very old. Can i ask them to change it?

like

My career goal isn’t to make it to MBB or a unicorn or FAANG. It’s to feel fulfilled and challenged as I progress. I can’t be the only one that isn’t title or company chasing.

like

Does it make sense to max out my 401k if I want to retire by 40-45?

like

I have an offer from ICICI Bank for Treasury Sales Manager in Mumbai. I have done my MBA in finance from IMI, Delhi and cleared CFA Level 2. What should be the expected CTC given that my current work ex is 1.3 years and my current ctc is 16 LPA? How much hike can I expect?

like

I have many leaves in my bucket. Will leaves Be carry forwarded to next year

Thoughts on where to buy a cost effective men's suit? Coming in as a first year next month

What is your fashion inspiration? (i.e. GQ, Pinterest, etc?)

like

Is montblanc’s horology legit? Might sound like a dumb question but I think of them as a stationary company first before a watch company

like

Anyone at EY PARTHENON in Dubai or Saudi willing to have a quick chat? Would be great to get some info / connect with people there.

Thanks in advance

(Can’t tag them for some reason)
EY
@eyparthenon

like

How is the working environment at KBC Brussels? Is the work from anywhere possible in this bank?

like

Additional Posts in Startups and Entrepreneurship

anyone know why this error message happens for linkedin business page?

Post Photo
like

For startup founders/people with a successful side project: How did you get the idea/inspiration for your business? I’m currently working at a Series B startup and my end goal has always been to found my own startup, but I graduated from college 2.5 years ago and I still have not had any great ideas cross my mind. I do spend a fair amount of time brainstorming. I don’t want to continue working here forever, but I’m struggling to generate that “this is it” idea to build a company for. Any advice?

like

Looking to grow and network with people in different industry. Has a young person it can be a little tough to get your foot in the door. DM if there’s any opportunities.

like

Anyone need help with content? I can help create marketing content, eCommerce product shots & user-generated content (UGC) videos to run as ads.

Don’t hesitate to reach out !

like

Any thoughts on food (fast casual) and/or lifestyle franchises that are at present, underrated, but well position for growth in the next decade?

like

Just joined a 300 person startup as a mid-level manager. Is it appropriate to send email to C suite to say hi and introduce myself?

like

Anyone interested in fashion? Stated a clothing brand. Need sales.

like

👍👍 Need a technical cofounder to help me get an accounting software platform off the ground.

DM me freaks…pls…😀😂😎

10+ years accounting exp, financial stmt audit, corporate acctg, outsourced acctg, the works 🤦‍♂️

Let’s ‘disrupt’ this staid, boring industry once and for all

funny

Friends, need some feedback on an idea:

I’m thinking of starting a podcast interviewing leaders at startups about their experience with specific challenges - I know, cliche, get a more original hobby, etc.

Not looking for the narrative arc of How I Built This or Masters of Scale. Instead, looking to uncover specific problems faced by companies that tried something new for the first time. What did they not see coming, how did they adapt and measure, etc.

What are your thoughts on this format?

like
like

I firmly believe leadership makes the difference.

Not only, it highlins each one's value, but especially spreads this value among others.
I'm speaking about life, in a broad sense, which also include work life, but it is not limited to that.

Looking for any kind of suggestion to improve my leadership: books, experiences, attitudes, daily-routine, ...

Thank you!

like

In case anyone is looking to get into product management, I came across this image which shows some books you could read to get into the role.

P.S: I saw this on Linkedin posted by Dr Milan Milanovic. So all credits to him!

Post Photo
likehelpfulsmart

What is a ideal SDR salary in a growing SaaS based Startup in Munich ?

like

May not be the correct bowl, but: how much do chief of staff positions at Wayfair in Boston pay? I’ve always been curious what this position entails too

like

What do people recommend for start-up relevant marketing resources/books/personalities/podcasts?
I have a lot of enterprise marketing experience, but making a jump to a startup and want to get up to speed as quickly as possible.

like

How long would it take an experienced web developer to build a basic website like something you would see in square space/webflow templates assuming Figma designs were already made?

like

Side hustle or startup ideas for someone who isn’t technical/doesn’t code? Where should I look or where to begin? I don’t have any strong passions or specific skills that I’m confident in. What books, articles, blogs, orgs, events, people I should follow for inspiration that has helped you? I have some cash to invest and am looking for a part time hustle that can cash flow at least a little bit of money on the side.

like

Who is hiring Human Capital and Learning Development roles right now?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal