The birth of most tech startups can be traced back to a small team of early engineers collaborating to create the company’s initial product. As these pioneering builders work together, a developer culture begins to take shape – sometimes intentionally, and sometimes by happenstance.
At the Web Summit in Lisbon this past November, two founders came together to discuss the importance of cultivating a unique developer culture within a company, separate from its overall culture.
“Early on, our CTO and co-founder Gil Feig made it a priority to set a positive tone that empowered our team. He instilled in us the belief that as engineers, we have the power to do anything we set our minds to – it just depends on how much time and effort we’re willing to put in. This mindset has been deeply ingrained in our developer culture from the start.”
According to Shensi Ding, co-founder and CEO of Merge – a startup specializing in unified APIs – the early ethos of a development team is crucial to the success of tech startups. Engineers ultimately have control over how the product is built and what aspects are prioritized, making it essential to establish a strong developer culture.
“At Zippi – a Brazilian fintech startup – our CTO and co-founder Ludmila Pontremolez wanted to create a team-focused atmosphere where everyone takes responsibility for the code, regardless of who wrote it. Every mistake or issue is a collective responsibility, and our team works together to solve problems, even if it means stepping in for a colleague at 1 am on a Sunday.”
Pontremolez, who previously worked as an engineer at Square, understood the importance of fostering a positive developer culture. She believes that when individuals feel empowered and supported, they are more likely to take ownership of their work and strive for excellence.
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of tech startups, building a strong and distinct developer culture can make all the difference. By prioritizing teamwork, open communication, and a growth mindset, companies can set the foundation for a successful and fulfilling work environment.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice.
