Pros
Prior to joining Freeform, I had experience working for both established companies and several high-tech startups. My journey with Freeform began after the last startup I was involved with didn't succeed. Thankfully, my family supported my decision to dive back into the startup world. Through my experiences over the years, I've discovered a preference for the fast-paced, high-impact, and high-ownership environment characteristic of startups, compared to the politics, bureaucracy, and slower pace often associated with larger corporations. My tenure at Freeform spanning several years has been overwhelmingly positive. While I do not believe any company is perfect (see my "Cons"), I genuinely believe Freeform is an exceptional and rewarding place to work. Having endured jobs where each day felt like a grind and witnessing firsthand the collapse of the last company I dedicated myself to for several years, I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a high-performance team and to genuinely enjoy going to work each day. As with most startups, the pace at Freeform is undeniably fast, the challenges are abundant, and the pressure is ever-present. Yet, for those well-suited to the startup environment, the rewards are equally substantial. I think you would be hard-pressed to find a better startup to join, in my opinion. I joined this company because I wanted to work with exceptionally talented people, be challenged, learn from my peers, and be part of a high-performance and functioning team solving important problems that will positively benefit humanity. I have not been disappointed. Having experienced “bad” company culture in the past, I can say that I have personally found the culture at Freeform to be refreshing. Company leadership leads by example and works as hard as everyone else. Rationale for higher-level decisions is always thoroughly explained. People are motivated and deeply care about the success of the team. The hiring process is very consistent and fair. Communication is characterized by transparency and openness. Managed conflict is encouraged to ensure the best decisions are made. I have always personally felt valued and motivated to excel here and I know many of my peers feel the same way. It's also worth noting, especially since I have not experienced this at a previous company, that I have witnessed executive leadership here, on many occasions, ensure that every voice is heard in a discussion before the discussion is concluded. As someone that can be on the quieter side at times, this is a very respectable thing to see people in leadership do and I really appreciate it. I’ll close by saying that every person here seems committed to the team's success and is willing to go above and beyond when the team needs them to, to ensure our collective success. This level of commitment is essential for success in a startup, where hard work and determination are fundamental. Those who join a startup should understand and embrace the demanding nature of the work, as it's this level of dedication that drives our progress and sets us apart. At Freeform, I've seen firsthand how our team's unwavering commitment fuels our innovation and propels us toward our shared vision of success. If all of this sounds good or interesting to you then I think you’d love it here and if it doesn’t Freeform may not be the right place for you. I hope this was helpful!
Cons
Even though I would strongly recommend Freeform (see the "Pros" section above) I would also offer the following as things to consider as potential "Cons": - Freeform values constructive and respectful disagreement and debate as essential components of decision-making. Individuals who do not believe this is required to arrive at the best possible outcomes may find this company culture challenging to navigate. - Freeform maintains a very high hiring bar, but like any organization, perfection isn't guaranteed in every hire. While I think we generally strive for excellence, there have been instances where I have seen leadership prioritize providing opportunities for employees to improve rather than aggressively performance managing them. This approach, while supportive, has resulted in a slower process for addressing performance issues on several occasions. - The dynamic and fast-paced environment may not be suitable for individuals who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment. - As with any startup, the demands of the job can lead to long hours and a significant time commitment, which may not be ideal for those seeking a more balanced work-life routine. As the company grows this will inevitably get better but it's especially important for everyone on the team to be on the same page early in the life of the company. - While Freeform will offer a rewarding experience for many, it's important to recognize that the startup culture, pace, and deep level of responsibility and ownership may not be a good fit for everyone. - Collaboration and teamwork are highly valued, with team accomplishments prioritized over individual contributions. Moreover, there is a strong emphasis on earning the trust and respect of others on the team, regardless of past accomplishments at previous employers. These factors contribute to a culture where individuals who prefer to work independently or who prefer to lean on past accomplishments than earn the respect of the team may find it challenging to thrive in this environment.