The company’s branding and self-image feel misaligned with reality. During the interview process, the culture came across as performative rather than substantive, with an emphasis on toughness and intensity over clarity, collaboration, or respect. The environment felt hollow and unnecessarily abrasive, which raised concerns about how pressure and accountability are actually handled day to day. Rather than reflecting high standards, the tone felt defensive and strained, which may reflect the pressures of a new startup.
