What do you do if you're asked "Why do you want to work for a startup?

Passion and growth — When I started in the startup world, what drew me was not just the countless ideas but the potential for personal and professional growth along with the passion for making an impact. I found that aligning my personal passions, like leveraging technology for better health, with a startup setup, provided an incredibly powerful motivation. This meant not just working on projects that mattered to me but also a unique opportunity to live a truly transformative experience.

For me, working for a startup offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact and be part of something transformative from the ground up. I'm excited by the fast-paced environment, the opportunity to wear multiple hats, and the chance to work closely with a passionate and innovative team. I believe that startups foster creativity, encourage learning, and offer a level of autonomy that allows for personal and professional growth. In short, I want to work for a startup because I thrive in dynamic environments where I can contribute meaningfully and help drive the company's success. #startuplife #passion #innovation

When considering opportunities with startups, one may be drawn to the dynamic environment and the chance to contribute meaningfully to a growing venture. The prospect of being part of a close-knit team, where one's efforts can directly impact the company's trajectory, is often a compelling factor. Additionally, the opportunity to wear multiple hats and take on diverse responsibilities can foster both personal and professional growth. Ultimately, the allure lies in the excitement of being part of something innovative and transformative.

Start with I want to work for a startup because it allows me to collaborate closely with industry veterans or dynamic young teams, pushing me to expand my capabilities. The flexible environment helps me explore different business aspects and discover my true strengths. Startups also lead in innovation, offering the chance to work on groundbreaking projects with significant impact. The potential for rapid career growth and contributing to a company's success are exciting motivators. While long-term benefits like recognition and financial rewards are appealing, my primary focus is on learning and growth.

In startups, the growth potential for employees is limitless. Unlike in traditional corporate settings, where growth is limited by hierarchies, startups offer a fertile ground for talent to flourish. Here, individuals get multiple roles to play, gaining diverse experience and honing versatile skills. With accelerated growth, opportunities for moving up the rank are very high and often. Startups offer highly dynamic environment for professional as well as personal growth. All in all, startups are breeding ground for leaders and innovators.

If you have difficult with changes, you'll hardly fit the profile to work in a startup. It's because it's a dynamic environment where at any moment the entire project can "pivot," and the team you were in may no longer exist, and you might find yourself involved in another project with a completely different scope. If you have a more daring profile, enjoy constant challenges, thrive in an uncertain environment, you'll certainly reap many rewards in this setting. Questioning and provocations are welcome, and the urgency to evolve the product is 10 times greater than in a traditional company.

Startup needs you to be scrappy. Be willing to get in the trenches without boxing yourself in a particular role. Your personal growth trajectory will blast in no time.

Drive innovation — Embrace the startup’s pace to innovate. At times, the timing of your innovation might seem off relative to the ecosystem or competition. It is a key success factor but you rarely know upfront. In my journey, I’ve seen that whether early or late, or ideally spot-on, the opportunity to make an impact always presents itself. Seizing these moments has not only fueled my personal growth but also allowed us to contribute to society.

With my long career path, I can say that unlike startups, large corporations are rigid. Larger the company, slower the decision making process. Startups are flexible and agile. Startups offer ‘more for less’. Startups prefer all-rounders who can contribute in multiple departments. Thus, you get chance to directly shape the trajectory of the company. Startups offer environment where your every effort and every decision impacts the growth of the organisation.

Having setup multiple startups, one thing I have enjoyed most is building a team that is passionate and dedicated towards your goals. The teams working in startups becomes your extended family. Every team member shares the vision and goals. Success is shared. Challenges are shared. Resources are shared. It’s a perfect example of symbiosis where teams thrive on collective support to each other. There is hardly any room for office politics and groupism. The environment helps to build your inter-personal skills, with mutual respect and empathy.

It's crucial to understand what a startup job truly means. Often, people associate startups with ping pong tables, casual dress code, team pizza nights, and flexible work hours. However, they tend to underestimate the lack of structure and constant changes, which come with a certain level of uncertainty. Those who prefer a stable environment and security may not find happiness in a startup job. It's essential to be aware of this reality and carefully consider whether one is ready to embrace the challenges of working in a startup.

According to me, working for a startup offers unparalleled opportunities for creative freedom, growth potential, and impactful work. In a startup environment, I can contribute innovative ideas and have the flexibility to experiment and implement them. The growth potential is immense, as startups often provide a dynamic and fast-paced setting where I can learn new skills, take on diverse responsibilities, and rapidly advance my career. Additionally, the chance to work on impactful projects that directly influence the company's success is incredibly motivating. Being part of a startup allows me to make a tangible difference, fostering a sense of ownership and accomplishment that is deeply fulfilling.