If my bets pay off, I gain:

1. The chance to have solved hard, unsolved problems alongside some of the sharpest minds.

2. A team of high-caliber peers who elevate my thinking.

3. Real work-life balance. (yes, it’s possible, even in startups).

4. Explosive growth - for the product, the company, and myself.

So, how do I evaluate startups, and why has my experience defied the typical horror stories? With a simple framework: There are only three things that matter to me.

1. Founders -

• Are they exceptionally more driven and smarter than me?
• Are they all aligned on the longer-term vision? Are they all saying the same thing when you ask them - "What's your ultimate vision with your company?"
• Are they aligned on the larger strategy to get there?
• Are they good listeners? This is a good proxy to predict culture and work-life balance in the company

2. Product -

• Did I fall in love with this product the second I saw it? (Leave room for your heart to guide you sometimes).
• Do I think this product can be made into something incredible?
• Is this product aligned with founders' vision so far?

3. Market -

• Are they solving a problem that's both real, and not too niche? Is there scope to scale or expand? How do you know that? Ask the founders for proof.
• Are investors backing them too? Why?

I shortlist startups I want to work at on the basis of points 2 and 3, and whatever little I can dig on 1 from the founders' LinkedIn and other social channels. Then, I cold email the founders. In the interview round (if I make it), I ask for answers to the rest of the questions.

Hope this helps if you're looking for jobs. If you already have a different framework, do share them in the comments!