Good people undermined by abject leadership - Anonymous Shares Employee Review

1.0
Jan 19, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Some nice, talented people across depts - Decent swag

Cons

- Leadership: CEO couldn't run a bath. Think he likes the idea of starting business, but doesn't have the skills or or knowledge to actually run it. Got some funding, scaled up far too quickly and is now having to embark on serious cost-cutting and downsizing. People who were hired less than 3 months ago are being told to pack their bags, regardless of performance. They're playing with people's livelihoods. No communication, no transparency, just smile and hope you still have a job. The rocket is crashing. - Product: Talented people, but the product is a dud. The initial innovative vision has morphed into half-hearted attempt to copy Etoro. Product market fit is non-existent and what we want to be changes based on the whims of the CEO. There is little to no idea as to how to monetise the product and they're flying by the seat of their pants. - Marketing: what marketing? The entire marketing strategy seems to be about farting out as many TikToks as possible. Traditional forms of marketing neglected. Was meant to be a creative, lifestyle brand, but we just seem to rely on ill-fitting celeb partnerships. How a brand that promotes diversity and inclusion partners with an alleged serial rapist is beyond comprehension. There's no data, no analytics, everything is decided based on hunches or gut feeling. - Nepotism: If you're a YES man, sycophant or brown nose, you'll go right to the top at Shares. Top positions are filled by the CEO's favourites, regardless of whether they merit it. People still in probation have been parachuted in to lead depts. If you question decisions or take an opposing view, you'll be shown the door quickly. Diversity: Pale, male and stale. Especially in the Exco. Come on guys, it's 2023.

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Shares Response
3y
Hi. We are sorry to learn that you had a bad experience at Shares but hopefully you don't mind if I respond to the review. Indeed as the market is shrinking in the tech & startup ecosystem, we also have been hit by the wave and had to unfortunately downsize the team within all departments and countries. We would have preferred not to but had no other choice. These are difficult decisions to make and we do our best to do it in the best possible way guaranteeing a payment in lieu of three months and are ready to help if you need to find another job. We are surrounded by successful companies within the market we operate in but we are developing our own strategy with no intention to copy anyone. Our Marketing team is working hard to promote our business using different strategies (social network, advertising, lead generation etc…) and they are doing their best to diversify our strategy. When it comes to diversity we won’t list how many women, POC or people from different backgrounds we have in the company but this is reflected in our Executive Committee, in our team and in the events we organise. Finally, at Shares people are only evaluated based on their skills and performances and promotions are only based on that. We value diversity of opinions as well and think that the best is always to be found in discussion between different opinions. If you need more information and more clarification feel free to contact our People Team, they are here during your time at Shares or even after to answer all your questions and also collect your feedback in a perspective of constructive criticism and constant improvement.

Explore other reviews about Shares

5.0
Aug 29, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

1. Talent - The people are intelligent, hard-working and ambitious, which allows the company to move quickly. You learn a lot working here. 2. Product market fit - No ambitious company succeeds without pivots and doubling down on areas that bring value. Shares has a bright future, especially now that it's making significant ground in the wealth management & savings spaces. 3. Flexibility - You're trusted to work your own way. Great offices, remote working/work from abroad policy, and other flexible working benefits.

Cons

Limited resource (although this is changing) - You'll be required to take on tasks beyond your remit. However, at what startup/ambitious company is this not the case? Shares is investing more in resource again, with key hires being made from mid-2025 onwards. This has already helped relieve the strain on current employees. I understand some former employees are frustrated after their positions were let go, but ultimately, I can only give an honest review of my own experience at Shares.

5.0
Feb 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great company, progressive leadership, interesting projects, smart colleagues and easy-going culture

Cons

Uncertainty, projects being put on hold due to external factors, change of plans

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