Working at a Start Up

Currently working in sales at a big consulting firm, looking to make the transition to a SAAS start up and I want to make sure I’m not missing anything. What are the factors I should be considering other than the obvious (on target earnings, career path, ETC)

👥 Hiring
2
Ace
Arsonist
4
CEO
Know that you'll be wearing a lot of hats and will be expected to be creative and come up with a lot of stuff on yourself. You get to learn a lot more compared to a large org
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
2
Director Sales and Market Development
Self starter mentality for sure. Understand there could be little guidance and tons of responsibilty. Well said Ace
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
GlenRoss
Politicker
4
Account Executive
Make sure quota is attainable and look into funding so you are not joining a sinking ship
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
1
Director Sales and Market Development
Deep funding. And multiple rounds. Follow the hiring patterns between rounds too, cause once down quarter followed by down funding round comes layoffs 
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
4
HMFIC
Get equity if you make the jump!
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
0
Director Sales and Market Development
No question. But paper millionaires exist and never get the glorious "cash out"
Savagedoge
Tycoon
3
Account Executive
Some good points here. I’ve worked at 4 start ups in less than 7 years and the number one thing that I’m looking for now is one of the founders having some background in sales. I work for a CEO now who has limited background in sales, but has put in the work to understand how shit works, and well, knows how to lead. 

Having said that, you should also look at other indicators such as funding, the problem they’re solving, what future looks like for the founders and how you can set expecting right off the bat and stick.
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
1
Director Sales and Market Development
I like to see the owner or higher ups have done this before. Not necessarily a serial entrepreneur, but someone or several that have been there, done that to ensure your above notes on comp (being paid) career track (promotions and more importantly staying employed). Someone that has been down this road before and understands down rounds and doesn't panic hire or fire when things are good/bad. You want tried and true.  
PhlipOut
Politicker
1
Account Executive
"startup" gets used a lot, sometimes incorrectly.
and what startup you get will change the advice.

is it a series A startup or a series D Scale-up for example?

in the first one you'll have some products that don't exist. Priorities and setup that changes every 3 months (comp plan, manager, territory, product priority, GTM etc..). You're there to help figure things out while you sell. and you may not even sell that much.

in the second one you are there to follow the blueprint, crush your number, grow aggressively towards IPO or Acquisition.
Closedwonandconverted
Valued Contributor
0
Commercial AE
Thanks everyone for the tips, this thread was incredibly helpful! 
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