How do Startups compete with Big Tech for talent?

How do Startups compete with Big Tech for talent?

Wrong question.

The right question: "How do we attract people who are WRONG for Big Tech but RIGHT for us?"

Big Tech offers things that you simply can’t, or wouldn’t want to - predictability, stability (most of the time), clear progression paths, brand recognition at the family Christmas Dinner, higher liquid Comp on average.

You offer - a mission to fall in love with, autonomy and impact, career growth acceleration, potential for equity upside.

You’re not competing with Big Tech, you’re not even similar to them.

What you’re really asking is how do we hire the best people, with the most options, who are likely to also be wanted by Meta, Google, as well as every other high profile startup.

And the solution to that starts with understanding exactly what it is that you’re offering, and then putting that offer in front of the right people.

Designing your roles, your culture, your brand and every other part of your actual Offer to be attractive, and then sourcing and selling it to top talent.