Startups move fast, operate with small teams, and require people to adapt quickly. But what kind of startup employees actually thrive in this environment?

Fumiko, CEO of Bee Informatica, discusses how startups operate in practice and what qualities help people succeed in startup teams. Her insights offer useful guidance for SME owners, founders, and hiring managers who are building teams in fast-growing businesses.

What Is a Startup? The Reality Behind the Image

When people hear the word “startup,” they often think of well-known companies such as Grab. However, by the time companies reach that level of recognition, they are already large organisations.

In reality, many startups operate with small teams of around 10 to 30 people, especially in their early stages. These companies may still be in funding phases such as Seed or Series A while building their products and business models.

For example, Bee Informatica operates with a team of about 17 people. In organisations of this size, decision-making and execution happen much faster than in larger corporations.

For SME owners and founders, this means hiring is not just about finding the most experienced candidate. It is often about identifying people who can adapt, communicate, and grow with the company.

Preventing Concerns About Unexpected Job Responsibilities

Startups operate in rapidly changing environments, so responsibilities may occasionally evolve as the business grows. In these situations, communication becomes essential. Managers typically explain the background and discuss expectations with employees before adjusting responsibilities.

For SME owners managing startup teams, transparency and communication help reduce misunderstandings and maintain trust.

The First Three Months: Aligning Expectations in Startup Teams

The first three months after joining a startup are often considered the most important period.

Rather than serving purely as an evaluation stage, this time is used to align expectations between the company and the employee.

Since both sides are still learning about each other, frequent communication during the first three months helps create a supportive environment in which adjustments can be made as needed.

How Startup Teams Work When Managers Cannot Teach Everything

In small startup teams, leaders often cannot provide detailed step-by-step guidance for every task. Limited resources and fast-moving operations make it difficult to train employees on every process.

As a result, startup employees are often encouraged to think independently and bring ideas forward.

For example, instead of asking “What should I do?”, employees might say:
“I’m considering this approach. Does it make sense?”

This approach allows managers to give quick feedback while keeping work moving forward. Over time, startup employees also develop stronger decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Communication Habits That Help Startup Employees Succeed

Fumiko shares that people who succeed in startup environments tend to have several behaviours.

They often:

• Think proactively and bring ideas to discussions
  
  
• Ask questions early when they encounter obstacles
  
  
• Share information regularly with their team
  
  

In Japanese business culture, there is a concept called “Ho-Ren-So.” This refers to three important communication habits:

• Hou (Report): reporting progress or results
  
  
• Ren (Inform): keeping others updated on important information
  
  
• Sou (Consult): asking for advice when necessary

In small startup teams, these communication habits are particularly important because everyone relies on shared information to make quick decisions.

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Growth Stories: How Employees Improve Over Time

Not all startup employees begin with the same level of experience. In fact, many employees grow significantly during their first few months.

For example, some employees initially struggle to structure their progress updates but gradually learn to communicate more clearly after receiving feedback.

Others develop stronger judgment about how to approach tasks as they gain more experience.

Through continuous feedback and open communication, startup employees who are willing to learn often gain confidence and begin contributing more effectively to the team.

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A Message for SME Owners and Startup Job Seekers

Startups are dynamic environments where roles evolve quickly, and learning opportunities are abundant.

For SME owners and founders, building a successful startup team often means looking beyond technical skills to a candidate’s mindset, adaptability, and willingness to grow.

For job seekers, joining a startup can offer valuable opportunities to gain diverse experience, develop new skills, and witness firsthand a company's growth.

For people who enjoy learning, adapting, and building something new, the startup environment can be an incredibly rewarding place to grow.

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Want more perspectives from the people building the future of SME finance? Read more conversations with founders and the team behind FundingBee. Explore CEO interviews 

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