What do I need to know about startups before I apply to a startup? Unfortunately, A LOT of information. Why should you listen to me? I have worked at around five startups and been around the ecosystem for a while. I don’t want to found a startup, but I have enjoyed working at them and I have a lot of experience. My team right now has many years of working at 10 different startups, so in total my team and I have a good range of experience. Also, I work at a startup right now. I know startup founders and people who cashed in on IPOs and those who lost money on IPOs. Not sure what an IPO is, keep reading.