virtual startup companies that embrace remote work

4 Virtual Startup Companies That Embrace Fully Remote Work

Startups have become an ubiquitous part of the modern economy. Seemingly every day, a new startup emerges with ideas of revolutionizing an industry, building upon existing products, or creating a new service or good that improves the lives or entertainment of consumers. But now that companies are more widely embracing remote work, the virtual startup almost universally accepts telecommuting — not only to cut overhead, but to recruit from a global field of talent.

But what was once confined to Silicon Valley has now become a part of the economic landscape of cities around the U.S. and across the globe. Startup incubators in smaller and midsize cities attract startups with low-cost rent, tax breaks, a better cost of living, and the opportunity to revitalize an entire locale. With all of these benefits, workers with dreams of working for the next Netflix, Amazon, or Google are flocking to virtual startups. If a vision of an exciting new service or product is alluring to you, learn more about some virtual startup companies that fully embrace remote work.

Benefits of Working for a Virtual Startup

Like working for any type of company — be it a small business, midsize business, or corporation — virtual startups have benefits for aspiring remote workers. Perhaps these benefits or perks won’t all appeal to you, but understanding what to expect in terms of professional growth and opportunities is a vital part of choosing the right job. If you’ve never worked for a startup before, here are some pros of joining a virtual startup:

  • Learning to budget and understanding the power of frugality in a business setting. Money is tight in most startups, so working on a budget is paramount. You’ll get to learn why it’s important and how to manage money and time in a business setting.
  • A more laidback atmosphere. The average age of successful CEO founders is 34 years old. While they have varied backgrounds, most shed the suit and tie for a fun and laidback atmosphere. As a result, you may find that you gel better in a company that’s not so uptight.
  • The ability to cross-train. While more established virtual startups may have the money for workers with specific expertise, cross-training workers is often the more preferred method. So get ready to learn a little bit about everything and become a jack of all trades.
  • Opportunities for growth. If you believe in the vision of the founder and the product or service, you’re on the ground floor of success. The only way to go is up.
  • More responsibility. If you’ve ever felt that your job was a dead end or bordering on the mundane, virtual startups tend to give workers more responsibility. If you want more on your plate, you’ll have as much as you can handle.

Drawbacks of Working for a Virtual Startup

You can’t talk about the benefits or perks of a job without also discussing potential drawbacks. Just like any other type of company, virtual startups also have some drawbacks. You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of each, but being able to identify potential pitfalls is essential for finding a job that you love. Here are some of the downsides to working at a startup:

  • Lack of leadership. While some entrepreneurs are natural leaders and managers, others may struggle. They may be idea people or geniuses in certain areas, but might lack the skills to provide direction. Always trust your senses, especially if you see a lack of direction a year or more into working for a startup.
  • Long hours and a heavy workload. Sure, you can get more responsibility, cross-training, and tons of work. But you have to decide at some point when too much is too much. Work-life balance should remain at the top of your priorities, even if you’re at a virtual startup.
  • Less pay. Startups often lack funding at the beginning of their inception. If you’re with a startup before they start additional rounds of funding, you might make far less money than you would with an established company. In this case, you have to weigh the potential for future earnings against what you’re currently making.
  • Uncertainty about the future of your job. Startups start and fail almost every day. The reasons for this are innumerable; just be aware that you can lose your job with little notice due to bankruptcy, mergers, or other issues.

The Top Virtual Startup Companies That Embrace Remote Work

If you want to get your foot in the door of a startup that embraces remote work, you’re often spoiled for choice. Many virtual startups had a remote-first concept that’s only been fueled by telecommuting due to the pandemic. But just to point you in the right direction, here are some top picks for virtual startup companies.

1. Attentive Mobile

Attentive logo

Founded in 2016, Attentive Mobile is a virtual startup that provides clients with text message marketing solutions. Through its mobile texting platform, the company adds another dimension to marketing campaigns and currently has increased the sales of its customers by 20.5%. While it has a home office in New York City, Attentive Mobile consistently hires remote workers, including marketers, IT people, and programmers.

2. Glossier

Glossier logo

Glossier has a mighty vision of creating cosmetics based solely on the feedback of customers. Entering the world of makeup and cosmetics isn’t easy, but Glossier dedicates itself to products that fill the void where other ones can’t. By opening the line of communication with its target market and including thoughtful and innovative design, the company aims to revitalize the somewhat stale atmosphere of the cosmetics market.

3. Jerry

Jerri logo

Started in 2017, Jerry is a licensed car and home insurance broker that sheds the often antiquated image of the insurance industry. Through its app, consumers can compare insurance quotes from over 50 insurers at the touch of the button without the need for sales pitches or fine print often synonymous with the insurance industry. In August 2021, Jerry also raised an additional $75 million in funding based on a $450 million valuation, making it one of the more successful startups in modern memory.

4. Superhuman Labs, Inc.

Superhuman Labs logo

Believe it or not, email has been around for over 50 years. Yet it’s so ingrained into modern culture that it’s rarely seen as a market of opportunity. But that’s just where Superhuman Labs comes to the rescue. Through its revolutionary app, Superhuman allows users to create visually stunning emails for personal or business use. Plus, it’s inclusion of undo send and AI make it a leader in the new era of email messaging.

Increasing Your Scope If Necessary

While working for a virtual startup company that embraces remote work is ideal for some tastes, it’s not always the perfect fit for everyone. Furthermore, plenty of established companies have also embraced remote work, leading to an unprecedented amount of virtual job opportunities.

So if you can’t find a remote job with a startup, don’t stress. Virtual Vocations can help. As a 100% remote business ourselves, we know all about remote jobs in the modern era. And with tens of thousands of listings, a companies database, career services, and tons of tools and resources in our Career Center, you have everything you need to land the perfect virtual job. Sign up for a paid or free membership today to take your next step toward a telecommuting career.

Which virtual startup companies are you interested in? Which perks of working for a virtual startup would you be most excited about? Connect with Virtual Vocations on FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!



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