Startup Culture: The Myths vs. The Reality
When people think about startup culture, they often imagine flashy offices, unlimited snacks, and overnight success stories. But the reality? It’s messy, unpredictable, and nothing like the movies.
At WWV Labs, we’ve reviewed hundreds of WWV Lab Fellows applications, and one thing has become clear—many students eager to break into the startup world have had limited exposure to what working at a startup actually entails. Unlike big tech, consulting, or finance, where roles and career paths are clearly defined, startup culture operates by an entirely different playbook—one that thrives on ambiguity, rapid change, and a hands-on approach.
For those unfamiliar with this world, the transition can be daunting. That’s why we’re partnering with Steve Walsh to demystify the startup experience and provide an unfiltered look at what it truly means to work in a high-growth, fast-paced environment.
⚠️ This session is exclusively open to WWV Labs Fellows. If you're interested in joining this session, apply to become a WWV Labs Fellow here.
Here’s what you won’t hear in a classroom:
🔹 Titles mean nothing—impact means everything. You won’t “climb the ladder” in a startup; you’ll build it from scratch.
🔹 Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of the process. Startups pivot constantly, and adaptability is key.
🔹 No one tells you what to do. Unlike structured corporate roles, startups demand initiative and self-direction from day one.
Join Steve Walsh, aka the Hands On Angel, as he pulls back the curtain on what startup life is really like—and how to thrive in it. With deep experience mentoring and investing in over 60 startups, Steve doesn’t just talk about startups; he builds them from the ground up.
Get ready for an unfiltered, no-BS conversation about startup careers—because the real lessons happen outside the classroom.
About the Hosts:
Steve Walsh isn’t just another name in the startup ecosystem—he’s a powerhouse mentor and investor who’s redefining what it means to support early-stage companies. As a Techstars' Mentor-in-Residence and the founder of Hands On Angel LLC, Steve has poured his energy, expertise, and capital into over 60 promising startups, helping them not only secure millions in funding but also build invaluable connections that propel them to success.
What sets Steve apart? It’s his unparalleled, “hands on” approach. He doesn’t just write checks; he rolls up his sleeves and dives into the trenches with founders, becoming personally invested in their journey. With a network bursting with strategic relationships and partnerships, Steve is the ally every founder needs in their corner.
Discover more about his mission at Hands On Angel.
WWV Labs is a labor marketplace designed to connect top female talent with high-growth, vetted startups.
Apply to WWV Labs here.
We value the talent and contributions of female students and recent graduates and recognize their potential to support the growth of early-stage startups. We stand by the principle that smart startups hire smart women.
Since its launch in September 2024, WWV Labs has grown to a community of over 800 fellows. In October 2024, we launched our newsletter, Her Hustle, which now reaches 7,000+ subscribers and continues to grow.
Stay connected and keep up with future events:
📩 Newsletter: Her Hustle
🔗 LinkedIn: Daniela Andrade