Bumpier than expected, more politics and resistance than expected for an innovative startup. Stark differences between software and hardware teams in terms of attitude: software teams look much more aligned with company values and culture. It is a challenge to "integrate" both worlds.

No red tape, approachable. Technical background.

Talented and dedicated engineers, approachable, no internal competition.

Accomplish important tasks, learn useful skills.

401k match, clearer bonus and/or stock programs beyond hiring bonus/stocks.

They are very focused on looking for innovative ways to solve problems.

Learning and implementing new solutions to problems that are generally considered difficult or unsolvable.

The "I intend" culture. And Jonathan's idea (even if not necessarily widespread) about how people should own problems.

Several of them are very resistive to changes. And several of them work in silos, thinking about their teams more than Groq's success.

Focus on innovation. The company is still new, so there are lots of decisions to take that have a profound impact on the success of the company for the next years. And Groq allows its engineers to actively take place in this decision making/doing.

There is no clarity in terms of level, and compensation is way under market value. New hires at Groq are getting better packages. I understand we pay contractor companies a higher price, but I earn even much less than contractors that do not have as much breadth and depth of experience as I do.