Questions I Asked Before Joining an Early-Stage Startup
5 Things to understand before joining an early stage role
I originally penned down these questions for myself when I was planning to join an idea-stage startup as a founding team member almost 3 years ago. I repurposed the personal questions into this article using AI.
Joining an early-stage startup is exciting — but it’s also a huge commitment. I’ve been through the decision-making process myself, and when I was evaluating a new opportunity, I asked my current founder a set of detailed questions.
Here’s the framework I used, broken down into five key areas to consider before taking the leap.
1. Understand the Startup Itself
Before you commit, get crystal clear on what you’re joining. It’s not enough to know the market — you need to know the product’s purpose and place in it.
Some key questions to ask:
What exactly is the product? Where does the value-add come in?
Is there a clear product-market fit (PMF), or are we still searching for it?
What’s the market size, and where did we identify the need?
How do our potential customers currently solve this problem, and how will our product improve things?
What’s the go-to-market plan — especially if targeting the US?
Is this a solution in search of a problem, or a genuine painkiller for the market?
2. Clarify Your Role
Early-stage roles are often fuzzy, and you’ll likely wear multiple hats. But you still need a baseline understanding of what you’re signing up for.
Ask:
What would my role look like now, and how might it evolve?
Will the work be role-focused, or is it wearing a more generalist hat?
Where do you see me contributing the most value in the next year?
3. Know the Team
People matter more than job descriptions at this stage. The team’s commitment, skills, and chemistry will define your day-to-day life.
Find out:
Who are the co-founders, and are they fully committed to the long haul?
What are their backgrounds and strengths?
What’s the current team composition — especially technical vs. non-technical?
What’s the hiring plan? Which key roles are next?
Will the team be remote, hybrid, or in-office?
4. Check the Financials
This isn’t just about salary — it’s about runway, burn rate, and the company’s philosophy on funding.
Questions worth asking:
What’s the current runway, and what’s the burn rate?
Are we bootstrapping or funded — and why?
If bootstrapping, what’s the revenue source, and how sustainable is it?
What’s the compensation structure — base, equity/ESOPs, benefits?
What’s the vesting period, and how does it align with my timeline?
5. Timeline & Vision
Lastly, understand the founder’s timeline, definition of success, and flexibility on the mission.
Ask:
When are key milestones happening (e.g., market launches, expansions)?
When would you expect me to join — immediately or after certain hires?
How do you define progress and success in the first 12–18 months?
Will the vision stay fixed or evolve based on market realities?
What’s the founder’s motivation for building this startup?
Why This Matters
Startups move fast and change often. Joining early means you’re not just an employee — you’re shaping the company. The more you know upfront, the better your chances of making an impact and enjoying the ride.