This question is specifically referring to startups, because startups generally have more risk involved.
I'm currently looking at job openings at startups. There's some that interest me, but I'm worried about some of the risk that comes with joining a startup. That's not to say that I'm not willing to take on any risk, but I at least want to know what I'm getting in to before I bet me and my families financial well-being on it.
That said, I'm never sure what I'm allowed to ask startups. Given that I haven't been hired yet, I would think some startups would prefer not to give out too much information about business plans or traction statisics.
Am I allowed to ask questions like:
- How much runway do you have left? What's your plan for extending that runway? If you're planning on new investments, are you actively seeking that?
- Why do you think this product will succeed?
- What's the end game? Are you hoping for an acquisition, or an IPO, or a lifestyle business? Something in between? Are you close to achieving that goal?
- (assuming I've found something the startup is currently struggling with, like churn... I mostly want to see that they're working towards smart solutions) What are you planning to do about your churn problem?
I'm currently looking at job openings at startups. There's some that interest me, but I'm worried about some of the risk that comes with joining a startup. That's not to say that I'm not willing to take on any risk, but I at least want to know what I'm getting in to before I bet me and my families financial well-being on it.
That said, I'm never sure what I'm allowed to ask startups. Given that I haven't been hired yet, I would think some startups would prefer not to give out too much information about business plans or traction statisics.
Am I allowed to ask questions like:
- How much runway do you have left? What's your plan for extending that runway? If you're planning on new investments, are you actively seeking that?
- Why do you think this product will succeed?
- What's the end game? Are you hoping for an acquisition, or an IPO, or a lifestyle business? Something in between? Are you close to achieving that goal?
- (assuming I've found something the startup is currently struggling with, like churn... I mostly want to see that they're working towards smart solutions) What are you planning to do about your churn problem?