What is the best question to ask for seed-stage startup interviews?
.png)
Rocket Ship or Yacht?
This is one of my favorite interview questions to ask when hiring for a seed stage company:
Do you want to join a rocket ship or a yacht?
A rocket ship has only a few seats, so there is no room for deadweight. We are a small crew is in search of a habitable planet. We most likely won't find one before we die, but we are going work as hard as we can to get there - after all, our life depends on it. Every single one of us has a critical role. If someone isn't carrying their weight, we will know immediately and kick them off the ship.
A yacht is really different, you cruise around the harbor in the sun, assimilate in the crowd with other employees. The amenities are great. Tons of snacks. But you usually just return to the port you departed from, not impacting the world much. It's a great lifestyle. There is no shame in wanted to join a yacht.
How Does the "Rocket Ship or Yacht" Interview Question Help you Hire Ambitious Employees?
This question helps weeds out the employees who really want to be on a yacht by doing the following:
1. It sets the expectation that if the employee joins, they will be expected to produce a ton. They won't be able to hide among the crowd.
2. It makes the person you interview actually think about what it means to join an early stage startup. Usually people think about the excitement that comes with being early at a potential unicorn, but they overlook the grind.
Up to 3,500 bonus and 3% cash-back on all card spend [3], 6 months off payroll, and 50% off bookkeeping for 6 months, free R&D credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I sign up for Every?
You can get started right away—just click “Get Started” and follow a short onboarding flow. Prefer a little help? One of our specialists can walk you through incorporation, banking, payroll, accounting, or whatever you need.
- What features does Every offer?
Every gives startups a complete back office in one platform. From incorporation and banking to payroll, bookkeeping, and tax filings, we take care of the operational heavy lifting—so you can spend more time building, less time managing.
- How is Every different from other tools?
Most competitors give you software. Every gives you a full-stack finance and HR team—plus smart financial tools that actually benefit founders. Earn up to 4.3% interest on idle cash and get cash back on every purchase made with your Every debit cards, routed straight back to you.
- Is my data secure with Every?
We use end-to-end encryption, SOC 2-compliant infrastructure, and rigorous access controls to ensure your data is safe. Security isn’t a feature—it’s foundational.
Can I switch to Every if my company is already set up?Yes—you can switch to Every at any time, even if your company is already incorporated and running. Whether you're using separate tools for banking, payroll, bookkeeping, or taxes, we’ll help you bring everything into one place. Our onboarding specialists will guide you through the process, make sure your data is transferred cleanly, and get you set up quickly—without disrupting your operations. Most founders are fully transitioned within a week.
- What stage of startup is Every best for?
Every is designed for startups from day zero through Series A and beyond. Whether you're just incorporating or already running payroll and managing expenses, we meet you where you are. Early-stage founders use Every to get up and running fast—with banking, payroll, bookkeeping, and taxes all handled from day one. Growing teams love how Every scales with them, replacing patchwork tools and manual work with a clean, unified system.
We’re especially valuable for teams who want to move fast without hiring a full finance or HR team—giving founders more time to build, and fewer distractions from admin and compliance
- How long does onboarding take?
Onboarding with Every is fast and efficient. For most startups, the process typically takes between 3 to 7 days, depending on your specific needs and how much setup you already have in place.
If you're a new company, you'll be up and running quickly—getting your banking, payroll, and bookkeeping set up without hassle. If you’re transitioning from another system, our specialists will help you migrate your data, ensuring a smooth switch with no gaps or errors in your operations.
We guide you every step of the way, from incorporation to setting up automated payroll to handling your taxes—so you can focus on growing your business. Our goal is to make sure you're fully operational and confident in your back office in under a week.
Practical Questions to Ask to Ensure Your Bank is Well Managed
How much liquidity does the bank have on hand to cover unexpected withdrawals or shortfalls?
What percentage of the bank's deposits are invested in longer-term securities and loans, and what percentage is kept as cash reserves?
How does the bank diversify its investment portfolio to minimize potential losses and reduce risks?
%202.jpg)
