SnoozyWaffle
SnoozyWaffle

Frustrated with my Startup

I used to work at a product-based company, joined as a fresher worked for 2 years, it was a perfect job, in the sense that there was little to no work related stress, decent pay, and all the perks you get at a typical big product company as an SDE.

I decided to move out of my comfort zone and joined a bootstrapped startup. It sounded stupid when I left but I just wanted to experiment with working in a high-paced environment.

3 months in and I am very frustrated there is no sense of urgency even in a highly competitive space, all 3 co-founders are busy fundraising and rarely talk to us except for standups(which are also skipped regularly) most other team members(a total of 11) work like govt employees, no hunger, passion or curiosity.

I joined because I love the problem they are solving and I am genuinely passionate about the industry and problem space but I don't even see 10% of the same passion in any of my other teammates they come in at 10 and leave by 4.

Sorry for the long rant but need genuine advice, will things change after the fundraise and as an employee how do I raise my issues with company culture with co-founders without sounding too bossy and pissing off my other teammates.

23mo ago
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JazzyBoba
JazzyBoba

Okay, how do they support 11 folks? Is it generating enough revenue?

SnoozyWaffle
SnoozyWaffle
Apple23mo

No revenue, founder's are rich.

JazzyBoba
JazzyBoba

If they can’t raise in 3 mos, assume funding isn’t happening. Figure out the next option. And you shouldn’t worry about equity going to 0, you’re 11th employee.

SqueakyNoodle
SqueakyNoodle

Whats the problem with coming on time and leaving on time. It’s called work life balance. We shouldn’t normalise staying late in office. People have lives.

PeppyPotato
PeppyPotato

Could you share a little more? At what stage is the company? Idea stage, MVP ready, product market fit established (I'm guessing these are the only possible options since you have clarified that they are pre revenue). I think either the founders lack leadership skills to keep them team organized and motivated or they are at a stage where working on anything is pointless until they raise funding. Either way I think you should be open to alternative opportunities as the risk of failure (from the looks of it) is pretty high

SnoozyWaffle
SnoozyWaffle
Apple23mo

We have a product and we have customers, it is just that we don't charge them, customer acquisition strategy.

3 founders have already built successful startups individually, this initially made me optimistic about joining.

PeppyPotato
PeppyPotato

Well if the customers don't pay then they aren't customers yet. Question is will the customers be willing to pay for the product? Also how confident are you about the company's ability to monetize the product, retain, engage and service the clients? Because funding or no funding the fundamentals of the business will determine its success and therefore your success. I understand that you may not have all the data points but go with your gut! If you aren't sure about the company and the leadership then find an alternative

ZoomyBagel
ZoomyBagel
Badho23mo

You are welcome to join us. I am the product head of an early stage startup with funds and zeal. None of our employees have the govt employee mindset

JazzyPretzel
JazzyPretzel
Cred23mo

How can I reach out to you?

ZoomyBagel
ZoomyBagel
Badho23mo

Email your resume and linkedin id to manmohan@badho.in

FluffyNugget
FluffyNugget
Plivo23mo

So you went from Apple to a startup? I can understand your frustration as you joined with different expectation than the reality of it. This is too common altho your case is different and maybe rare for a startup. Nobody can give u the right words or predict your future there. So if you’re up for some risk just keep complaining and maybe one day it clicks for somebody or you’re fired 🤷🏻‍♂️

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