In the last decade, startups have become hype, and the trend of increasing their number brings innovation all over the world. But if you still think that a startup means a small company based in a garage or a basement… you’d better think twice. The reality is different from what we know or see in TV series, and today’s startups have evolved and changed the world.
In 2020, there were approximately 1.35 million technology startups in the world. This reinforces the previous idea. Think about it… that’s something!
But how do startups work?
Startups don’t really work like other well-established companies, especially in the early stages of launching a business.
A startup:
- Is most likely in the early stages of development,
- Is usually, self-funded or seeks venture capital,
- It has 1 to 3 founders,
- It has fewer than 50 employees,
- It focuses on growth,
- Works on a unique solution to a problem,
- Wants to make an impact in the world.
Why should you join a startup?
If you are considering joining the mission of a startup, here are five reasons why it is worth doing so:
1. You have the possibility to do several things
If you want to do more things, branch out the knowledge you have, and not be stuck in one main task, maybe it would be good to consider a start-up. Working in a startup will allow you to try on a lot of different hats, maybe even tasks you didn’t know you could do or liked.
2. You will be able to learn from the real innovators.
Those who start their own business have different mental and professional thought processes. Entrepreneurs are known for their mindset: the moment they see a problem, they automatically think of an innovative solution to solve that problem. This makes entrepreneurs an almost infinite source of learning. Every successful startup is based on innovators, and if you find the right ones… be prepared to learn a lot!
3. Friendly Environment
Most startups have a working environment with few people, encouraging you to be yourself. Think that over time, this can even lead to solid friendships. Each team member is in the same boat, having the same mission.
4. Job Satisfaction
If we were to compare the work in a corporation with that of a startup in terms of the production perspective, we could say that in a startup, your work has a much more significant impact on the product.
Think you could be the only frontend or backend developer who codes every day, and without any red tape, you can find that your code is deployed every time you say it’s ready.
At the same time, you take part in the creation of the product from the very beginning, so you can be the lucky one who will see its evolution.
For every new feature that gets implemented, you get to see its impact in real-time, and you also get to be the first one to get direct feedback from customers.
5. Company culture
When you say organizational culture in a startup, you mean fun, creativity, and responsibility. Every member of a startup knows that creativity fuels growth, and growth leads to advancement. At the same time, a startup has a vision… usually to change the world.
In a startup, you will see a philosophy of encouraging questions because people often look for the best ways to find solutions.
1. You have the possibility to do several things
If you want to do more things, branch out the knowledge you have, and not be stuck in one main task, maybe it would be good to consider a start-up. Working in a startup will allow you to try on a lot of different hats, maybe even tasks you didn’t know you could do or liked.
It's not just milk and honey...
Like anything, working in a startup has its downsides:
- It is well known that 90% of startups fail.
- Adaptability is needed because we work at a high level of exigency.
- In a startup, it’s about innovation and creativity – you won’t experience the 9-5 life, suit, tie, or commute.
- You need to be willing to learn a lot.
In Conclusion
Working in a startup is not for everyone. Will it be too challenging to join a startup, or do you have the personality and skills needed for this? Will it take you too far out of your comfort zone, or will you feel at ease? There are just a few questions that you would do well to answer before applying.
