How Accel-Backed Startups Win the Talent War

# How Accel-Backed Startups Win the Talent War

Accel has backed transformative companies like Facebook, Slack, Dropbox, Spotify, and Atlassian. These companies didn't just build great products—they built great teams. Here's how.

The Accel Approach to Talent

### Early Investment in Recruiting

Accel encourages portfolio companies to invest in recruiting infrastructure earlier than most. A dedicated recruiter at 15-20 people can accelerate growth significantly.

### Compensation as Strategy

Accel provides portfolio companies with compensation benchmarking data and encourages competitive pay. Underpaying is a false economy that costs more in turnover.

### Diversity as Priority

The best teams include diverse perspectives. Accel-backed companies increasingly focus on building inclusive hiring practices from day one.

Lessons from Accel Portfolio Companies

### Slack

- Built a culture that attracted talent organically - Emphasized empathy and customer focus in hiring - Created a strong employer brand through transparency

### Figma

- Prioritized design thinking across all roles - Built a collaborative interview process - Invested heavily in employee experience

### Webflow

- Embraced remote work early - Built strong async communication culture - Attracted talent by enabling creativity

Practical Takeaways

### Use Your Investors

Accel's talent team actively helps with executive searches and candidate introductions. Don't be shy about asking.

### Tell Your Story

Candidates want to join companies with compelling narratives. What's your story? Why does your company need to exist?

### Speed Matters

In competitive markets, slow hiring processes lose candidates. Accel-backed companies typically run 2-week processes for most roles.

The Bottom Line

Accel-backed companies win talent by combining strong compensation, clear mission, and efficient processes. The formula isn't secret—it's disciplined execution.