At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, held in San Francisco from October 27-29, industry leaders from Pulley, 645 Ventures, and Epigram Legal took the stage to share groundbreaking insights on startup hiring. The panel, titled 'Hiring Isn't Just About the Pitch, It's About the Package,' emphasized that attracting top talent goes far beyond a compelling vision—it requires a well-structured compensation and benefits strategy.
Representatives from Pulley, a leading equity management platform, highlighted how startups often overlook the importance of equity as a hiring tool. They stressed that offering transparent equity packages can differentiate a startup in a competitive market, giving candidates a clear stake in the company’s future success.
645 Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments, added that cultural fit and growth opportunities are equally critical. They advised founders to craft roles that offer personal development alongside financial incentives, ensuring employees feel invested in both their own journey and the company’s mission.
Epigram Legal brought a unique perspective, underscoring the legal intricacies of hiring packages. They urged startups to prioritize compliance with labor laws and to structure contracts that protect both the company and the employee, avoiding costly disputes down the line.
The panel also discussed the evolving expectations of talent in 2025, noting that remote work options, mental health benefits, and work-life balance are no longer perks but necessities. Startups that fail to adapt risk losing out on top-tier candidates to more progressive competitors.
As TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 continues to be a hub for innovation, this session served as a wake-up call for founders: building a dream team starts with building a dream package. Attendees left with actionable strategies to rethink hiring in a way that aligns with modern workforce demands.
Maria Lourdes
