Many engineers now favour startups not because of money but because of purpose, autonomy, and the chance to move fast.

Startups offer engineers agency over their work. They’re highly visible contributors, not just another cog in a larger machine.

They tackle broader responsibilities and emerging technologies. That means rapid skill growth and end-to-end ownership from code to product decisions. 

Startups often win on culture too. Small teams and fewer layers mean tight collaboration, mission-driven alignment, and meaningful connection to impact. 

Flexibility is another advantage. While big tech firms enforce strict return-to-office rules, startups frequently support remote or hybrid work perceived by candidates as the equivalent of an 8 percent pay increase. 

Hackathons and pull-based recruitment also appeal. Startups attract talent through immersive events rather than rigid interview pipelines. This helps surface role-fit and cultural resonance early. 

Meanwhile, AI-focused startups are increasingly poaching talent from giants not with mega salaries alone, but with autonomy, intellectual freedom, and purpose-first cultures. Anthropic, for instance, has seen senior engineers refuse Meta’s $100 million bonuses to remain mission-aligned. 

For DeepTech startups growing in Japan and the region, these trends signal powerful alignment opportunities. Cultivate environments rich in autonomy, impactful work, and growth. Leverage experiential formats like hackathons to engage candidate communities around real challenges.

If you can’t match the prestige or pay of Big Tech, compete on meaning and momentum instead. Engineers know the difference and they’re choosing impact over inertia.

#MESHD #StartupTalent #DeepTech #TalentStrategy #CareerDesign