Pluspunten
Sparkpost is a small company with employees who communicate well. You won't be lost unless you try to be. Lunches, snacks, drinks are provided. You might get to work from home sometimes. People on the other coast or working remotely are brought in a few times a year so you can meet them in person. There are a number of people who have gotten good promotions moving up in the company and leading teams. While not everyone will see that career path, it is good to see it happening and know that employees are being rewarded for their efforts and skills.
Minpunten
Uncertain direction for now. The new leadership direction is certainly aiming for the company to make an IPO or get bought. Decisions will be made that help moving things in that direction. Choices that make things look good on paper or for visiting clients/potential buyers won't be in the best interest of employees. The dropping of whole teams of employees have occurred more than once. There are people who know the software and business that could have been used in a different role instead of dumping them and bringing in someone new who will have to learn it all from scratch. These purges also harm the morale of those who stay. The open office plan was a horrible thing to implement, though the new MD building is a bit better with a bit more room and some separation. Instead of collaboration, you wind up with everyone wearing headphones and getting distracted every time someone walks by your chair. I can't help but think that the cost of food and drinks, plus the costs spent flying people in all the time for a week in the office could be used to pay for someone whose job is eliminated.