Pros
1. Situation: Being a startup within an established public corporation gives most of the pluses (stability, benefits, access to expertise, etc) without many of the minuses (equity dilution, VC dictating where biz should go so they can get quick exit, etc)
2. Leadership: Head of business is broadly educated, motivated, has an enormous toolbox of skills and expertise, and is a great communicator = not only confidence that he will lead hte business to succeed, but also a great person to be around/to learn from
3. Opportunity: The business idea is incredibly exciting, and, to be able to participate, and influence, at an early stage, is very motivating.
4. Team: The currently assembled team is an amazing group of people who are incessantly collaborating to solve problems, and find unique ways to be scrappy/get s*** done.
5. Transparency: I know what we are trying to do, including our strategy and financial picture. Weekly team-wide meetings which include not only status updates from team members, but, also updates from leadership in terms of market, learnings, modifications to strategy, risks, etc.
6. Gourmet breakfast and lunch.
Kontras
ost days go by in a blur of activity. It can get hectic, and stressful, but works for those who buy into the mission.