How Do You Determine the Strength of a Startup?

[coolcats]

Thanks for all the great insights. Regarding the amount of money received ... does the fact that this is the 3rd round and and so much was put in indicate confidence from the VCs? It seems to, but then again how lenient are they with money burning?

[Rich_CD]

Originally Posted by coolcats

I have a job offer from a startup company...

In a start up it's all about the people. You need to find out if the top-level executives are on the ball. Are they organized? Do they work hard and smart? Is there lots of communication among the team? Are there any cowboys or cowgirls to upset the balance? Does everyone on the founding team work 16 hours a day 7 days a week? Are they asking you lots of questions to be sure you are a good fit?

[King_of_DC]

Originally Posted by coolcats

Thanks for all the great insights. Regarding the amount of money received ... does the fact that this is the 3rd round and and so much was put in indicate confidence from the VCs? It seems to, but then again how lenient are they with money burning?

I've personally seen a company get all kinds of funding and no one knew the owners were crooked... everything looked legit. Heck, they even went public.

You might be better off asking this question on a San Fran/wash state forum... not sure people here have real experience to help you. I've only worked companies that I bootstrapped or large organizations, for example.