Navigating Job Opportunities: Startups vs. Large Corporations
- Alexia Palau
- Sep 19, 2025
- 3 min read
Understanding the Landscape: Startups and Small Companies
Small companies and startups often promise exciting opportunities but come with unique risks. Your job research should focus on understanding their financial health, product market fit, and overall company culture to avoid layoffs and ensure job security.
Financial Health and Runway
The most critical factor for startups is their runway — how long their cash reserves will last. Ask about:
The current cash runway and burn rate.
Whether recent fundraising rounds have been successful.
Plans for hiring and if capital is earmarked for new hires, which can sometimes precede layoffs.
For example, a startup with a six-month runway and plans to hire aggressively might be at risk if revenue doesn’t grow quickly.
