Like a surf swell breaking off the shores of Ocean Beach, there are plenty of local tech companies making waves this month in San Francisco.
From an ubiquitous online shopping outlet to a groundbreaking surgical healthtech service to a lab management platform for companies spanning winemakers to cancer researchers, now is the time to dive into the deep waters of innovation washing over the city.
Ready to take the plunge? The following quartet of companies are among the rising tide in the Bay Area guaranteed to get you stoked about the local tech scene.
Industry: Healthtech
Founded: 2014
What they do: Carrum Health is on a mission to simplify the confusion and inefficiencies that threaten to overwhelm the healthcare system.
Notable perks and benefits: For Carrum Health, the solution to talent retention is obvious: Reinforce your mission, evolve your company culture and keep a close eye on how the employee experience is changing in a fast-paced world. This emphasis has manifested in the creation of a formal diversity, equity and inclusion committee, instituting an 80 percent employer-paid premium for medical insurance and encouraging opportunities for team members to connect through virtual programs like Monday morning coffee chats, Friday happy hours and cooking classes for charity.
View from the inside: According to Chief Operating Officer Dan Nardi, Carrum Health distinguishes itself among competitive job seekers through a shared desire to change the healthcare landscape. “People are looking for mission-driven companies that will allow them to solve big problems, have more of an impact and serve a higher purpose,” Nardi said. “Being proactive with candidates and audiences has really helped ensure we can stand out from the crowd.”
Industry: Software
Founded: 2015
What they do: Mux is a software company offering an API that enables developers to build unique live and on-demand video experiences.
Notable perks and benefits: Though headquartered in San Francisco, Mux has expanded globally throughout the past few years, requiring outside-the-box solutions to ensure a workforce scattered across continents can remain cohesive on a daily basis. The “remote-equal” company is intentional about providing new hires with the context and information needed to be successful, from thorough Notion documentation to in-depth training sessions to one-on-one meetings that are pre-scheduled the first time you access your calendar.
View from the inside: Just because your workforce is distributed doesn’t mean giving up on in-person investments entirely, Head of Employee Success Becca Axvig said. “Our London and San Francisco office-based employees have embraced our hybrid model, and it’s been amazing to feel the energy when we’re there together,” she said. “We also love hosting our remote employees for on-sites, and we are continually creating amazing new team experiences that work for both virtual and in-person employees.”
Industry: E-commerce
Founded: 2012
What they do: Online shopping platform Instacart offers same-day delivery and pickup services to bring fresh groceries and everyday essentials to busy people across the United States and Canada.
Notable perks and benefits: Team members donut take food — or food puns — lightly at Instacart. From giving all employees a free Instacart Express membership to celebrating milestones and cultural heritage months with food to hosting a monthly ice-cream-themed ask me anything chat with the CEO called “the Scoop,” comestibles are baked into the company’s daily existence.
View from the inside: Product Designer Cody Reppert enjoys attending Instacart Design Talks, where each month a company design leader hosts a virtual chat with someone from the industry who inspires them. “Attending these talks has given us a great chance to get inspired and get to know our design leaders better,” Reppert said. “It really feels like there’s an effort to foster a sense of camaraderie on our team, especially when we’re all working from home.”
Industry: Software
Founded: 2009
What they do: Quartzy’s lab management platform is used by scientists who are working for companies that range in diversity from winemakers to cancer researchers.
Notable perks and benefits: Along with recurring events like ActiviTuesdays, Wellness Wednesdays, happy hours and a speaker series, Quartzy sets its employees up for success with the latest tech and helps them outfit their home offices — complete with a free Spotify premium account.
View from the inside: The team at Quartzy takes every opportunity to recognize each other. “We love celebrating our fellow Quarriors,” People Operations Manager Jennifer Williams said. Personalized gifts are sent to employees for milestones, achievements and work anniversaries, while team members are often invited to share messages of appreciation for each other. The company also recognizes team members in weekly meetings for their accomplishments when they demonstrate the organization’s values.
