Why the First 10 Employees Shape the DNA of a Startup

Intro / Context 

In a LinkedIn post shared in the Wealth Builders Society by John Romano, the crucial strategic role of a startup’s first 10 employees—often dubbed the ‘founding team’—was explained. These early hires do more than just build a product—they define culture, drive execution, and set the long-term trajectory of the company. 

Key Insight or Core Message 

Your first team members form your organizational foundation. Their mindset, work habits, and passion lay the groundwork for how your company operates—and ultimately, whether it scales or stalls. 

Strategic Implications 

1. Culture Setters 
– Those first hires establish tone—from collaboration and transparency to grit and innovation. 
 
2. Versatility & Ownership 
– Early-stage roles blur lines—engineers support customers, marketers shape product design. 
 
3. Speed & Adaptability 
– Motivated early team members drive fast iteration—critical to achieving product-market fit. 
 
4. Talent Magnet 
– High‑quality early employees attract top future talent. 
 
5. Product & Strategy Influence 
– These hires shape product direction and business model evolution. 
 
6. Institutional Memory 
– They retain the ‘why’ behind early decisions, essential for scaling. 
 
7. Long-Term Impact 
– Early employees often evolve into leadership roles that influence company direction. 

Evidence & Metrics 

– Federal research shows early joiners drive long-term productivity and performance. 
– VC surveys rank founding teams above product or market in importance. 
– Startups with multiple committed early employees outperform solo-founder teams. 

Application: What Founders & Investors Should Do Now 

👩‍💼 For Founders: 
– Hire versatile, aligned people with startup readiness. 
– Define culture early—use onboarding and internal norms-setting. 
– Invest in team-building early to avoid downstream churn. 
 
👨‍💼 For Investors: 
– Examine early hires for alignment, impact, and cultural influence. 
– Probe turnover or churn—what’s the underlying pattern? 
– Use early team structure as a signal of founder foresight. 

Ready to take your startup journey to the next level? 
Join the conversation in the Wealth Builders Society (WBS) on LinkedIn for peer-driven insights, frameworks, and real-world case studies. 
 
And if you’re looking for hands-on learning, explore the Startup Investing Academy (SIA) to access exclusive courses, expert mentorship, and a community committed to your success. 

👉 Become a member of WBS today and unlock your startup’s full potential!