Mostly advice: When's the best time to join a startup? (2024)

FAQs

Mostly advice: When's the best time to join a startup? ›

Go Early, Go Often

Joining early, especially at the seed stage, means joining a company that is highly unlikely to exit. If you want the best chances of your equity in a startup being worth more than the tradeoffs you'll be making to get it, the data says to join a startup at Series C, A, or B (in that order).

The term startup refers to a company in the first stages of operations. Startups are founded by one or more entrepreneurs who want to develop a product or service for which they believe there is demand.

I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of a dynamic team that is working towards creating something new and impactful. I also appreciate the potential for growth and learning at a startup, as well as the ability to make a significant impact on the company's success.

There is never the right time to build a company. There is only the “must time” — when founding and running your own business is the only thing you can imagine doing. But too many people start businesses for the wrong reasons and fail themselves and those around them.

Early stage companies are on a mission to transform their industries, and their earliest employees are pivotal in making that happen. Startup employees have the autonomy to make decisions that can shape the future of the company, leaving an indelible and lasting impact.

January is the best time to form a new business for this exact reason—there's less red tape! First, bookkeeping is much simpler. Rather than keep and close the books for a few weeks of a short year, many entrepreneurs like a clean January 1 start date.

What is the best way to answer why do you want to join? ›

"I'm drawn to this job because of the opportunity for growth and advancement. I'm eager to learn new skills and take on new challenges, and I see this role as a perfect fit for my career goals." "I'm excited about the company's mission and values, and I believe in the work that you do.

Passion and excitement

A hallmark of startups is their energy and excitement. The newness and potential for success can create a positive, motivating environment that employees enjoy being a part of each day. When everyone shared a common goal of building the business, it enhances employee commitment and productivity.

Assessing Your Fit

To work at a start-up, you'll need to do three things you might not have learned in school or in jobs at larger companies: manage uncertainty, push the limits, and think like an owner.

Startup metrics should be every founder's true north. We call it KYN (know your numbers). Some founders do it, and some don't.

Assessing Risk, not Age

There's nothing stopping us from trying at any age, only what we are willing to withstand if things don't work out. If we continue to believe we can manage our downside, then we confidently start at any age.

Most people think startups are a young person's game. That entrepreneurship is for the young, hungry grads who love ramen. But they're wrong. A Harvard study found that the average age of the most successful startup founders is actually 45.

Given these statistics, it's much better to join a company after their Series A or Series B round. You don't have to go through the high probability of failure, your base salary is going to be higher, and the company has probably established a scalable business model to potentially allow you to cash in on your equity.

About 90% of startups fail, with 10% of startups failing within the first year of business. That makes it incredibly risky for employees, especially for those who choose equity in the company over a bigger salary.