One year into the world of venture capital, and it’s safe to say, there’s no playbook for hiring the best people for early-stage startups. Nothing prepared me for the pace, quirks, ever-changing technology, and everyday wins.

And here comes the story…

Working closely with early-stage startups gives you a front-row seat to how fast things can move when the right people are in the right seats. From pre-seed to Series A, hiring isn’t just about filling roles; it becomes one of the most critical levers for growth. One key hire can accelerate a product, shift the culture, or help close a round.

Here are a few things that tend to show up again and again in this world:

• Team design matters more than job descriptions.
The best hiring decisions are rooted in context: stage, chemistry, timing, not just CVs.

• Understanding cap tables and ESOPs becomes essential.
Even if you’re not the founder or CFO, being fluent in equity mechanics helps you build trust and transparency in every hiring conversation.

• Talent roles are never just about recruiting.
It’s founder coaching, comp structuring, process design, candidate experience, and aligning stakeholders, all in one.

• Candidate experience = founder brand.
Every touchpoint, from intro to close, reflects on the founder. Helping create thoughtful, transparent processes goes a long way in how the company is perceived.

• Staying close to the ecosystem fuels better decisions.
Attending events, chatting with operators, and connecting with other VC folks offers a constant perspective and keeps your thinking sharp.

• Speed is everything, but only when paired with clarity.
Rushing hires without alignment causes friction later. The magic is in helping founders move fast and make informed decisions. Slowing down to clarify often speeds things up later.

• There’s no “one way” to support a founder.
Sometimes it’s sourcing. Sometimes it’s being a sounding board. Sometimes it’s just helping them breathe. Flexibility and trust are key.

• And one personal favorite: watching teams grow and founders who are building ambitious products at a speed that honestly still amazes me.
From first hire to founding team to “we just closed our Series A”, getting to witness that transformation (and play a small role in it) is incredibly fulfilling.

But beyond helping build, I’ve also learned a lot & am still learning.

That’s it for now.

A big “thank you” to the founders I’ve worked with and to my team at Underline Ventures for letting me learn and contribute in such a real, hands-on way.

P.S.: We’re still hiring, and I’m always happy to connect with people who are excited about the startup world.

Now, as one of my teammates always says… Let’s get back to work.