I’ve spent enough time around startups to know one thing: building a great team in today’s world is vey difficult. Especially in fields like AI and deep tech, where everyone’s fighting over the same small pool of talent.
Big companies throw around huge salaries and fancy perks, but startups? They’ve got to play smarter, not richer.
I’m convinced that with the right culture, a real commitment, and some practical steps, startups can not only attract awesome people but keep them for the long haul.
The Talent Struggle Is No Joke
There’s a serious shortage of skilled folks in AI and deep tech. A 2025 McKinsey report explores companies’ technology and business readiness for AI adoption.
I wish luck to those who’re looking for someone with a PhD in machine learning or years of coding experience. It is because tech giants like Google are dangling six-figure bonuses, while startups are left scrambling.
But, startups do have something special. They’re nimble, scrappy, and often tied to a mission that feels personal. That’s a big drawback, especially for people who might feel like just a number at a corporate giant.
Culture Isn’t Just a Buzzword
People would want to work somewhere they feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger.
A 2022 Gallup study found that employees who feel connected to their workplace are 59% less likely to jump ship. For startups, this means building a culture that’s welcoming to everyone: different backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Look at a company like GitLab. They’re fully remote and share everything online, from how they hire to how they support mental health. That kind of openness builds trust, especially for people who’ve been burned by vague or unfair hiring processes.
Startups can and should take a page from that book: be clear about what you stand for, share salary ranges upfront, and offer flexible work options.
A 2024 Stack Overflow survey showed 80% of tech workers want flexibility. Think as if the COVID routine is coming back where remote work or hours fitting the real life. That’s a game-changer for partners, parents, caregivers, or anyone outside big city tech hubs.
Practical Ways to Get and Keep Great People
- Look Beyond Fancy Resumes: Companies like Andela hire developers from places like Africa, tapping into pools of skilled people which many usually ignore. Startups can partner with coding bootcamps or platforms like Coursera to find self-taught coders or career changers who are hungry to make their remarks in the profession.
- Make Onboarding Feel Like Home: First days matter. A 2023 SHRM study said good onboarding can boost retention by 69%.
- Help People Grow: Nobody wants to feel stuck. DeepMind does “study groups” where employees dive into new research together. Startups can do something similar, like a monthly book club or inviting a guest speaker.
- Care About Well-Being: Tech can be a grind. A 2024 Blind survey found that 57% of tech workers feel burned out.
Keeping People Means Making Them Feel They Belong
Money isn’t everything - belonging is. Diverse teams do better, but only if everyone feels included.
Tools like Slack’s pulse surveys can check in on how people are doing. Anonymous feedback lets folks speak up without worry, especially if they’re in the minority.
The Big Picture
Startups can’t outspend the big dogs, but they can out heart them. One must look forward to build a culture that’s real, inclusive, and focused on growth.
In a world where AI and deep tech are changing everything, startups that bet on their people, especially those who don’t always get a shot, will eventually come out on top.
Edited by Harshajit Sarmah
