Need Help: Mid Stage vs Early Stage Company

which one would be better to join and how to evaluate: fairly old startup (~10 years) with extremely competent folks (Top IITs) VS 2 year old startup in Seed Stage with friendly team but team size <10 getting similar comp but much higher stocks in the seed stage. extremely confused because I think it’ll be similar work life balance in both. don’t know if it’s right time to take risk so early in my career (my YOE: <1) I also think the work might be hectic in the first than the second. learning curve might be more in the first. from another standpoint, the first company is much more well recognised and more "stable" also- for folks who have been in the job for a while, how important would it be to stay close to your home eventually? do you feel lonely in cities away from home? sometimes I feel I should go for stability and other time I feel it’ll be fine at max the early startup will give me atleast one year experience so very confused

jake_peralta_B99

Unemployed

10 months ago

1st of all, competent doesn't necessarily mean IITs, and even if people are competent, they can be bunch of arrogant pricks. Don't decide on how competent the team is If I was in your place, this is how I would go about - 1. What are they working on? 2. How much runway do they have with their current funding? 3. What are their future goals / 5 Yr plan? Now, below ones are most important ones - 1. How does your team function as a team? 2. Do the people work together to bring out the best in each other? 3. will they go to bat for you?

FruitfulHit

Stealth

10 months ago

Hi, yes, definitely, the competence is a subjective parameter which I realised but I know well about the work and it’s good quality although hectic and folks are supportive. The seed staged company is actually working in a field that I don’t resonate alot with. The work might be good but it’s definitely not exciting for me. The Team functions fine and positively. The only excitement I see with the role is the equity and shares which I get that could possibly turn into something huge. I thought the seed staged shift might be more prudent if I either loved the product or knew the people. It’s a mess tho- sometimes I feel the upside could be huge and the seed staged is a much better offer from a financial standpoint but it’s confusing