German digital bank N26 is facing outcry from its staff over management

Re:German digital bank N26 is facing outcry from its staff o... by yawboakye on Friday August 14, 2020 @06:39AM (#24156201)

I'd argue that a startup, by its very definition, should be allowed free rein and not be subjected to the same laws that apply to the BMWs and Mercedes Benz-es of Germany (and Europe) at large. The benefits of working at a startup are enormous (owing to the opportunity to win equity/shares). It's only fair that there's an equally sized risk to go with it.

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Re:German digital bank N26 is facing outcry from its staff o... by detaro on Friday August 14, 2020 @07:04AM (#24156377)

Since when is "startup" defined by "oppertunity to win shares"? And even if, equity is typically sold as a replacement for lower salary compared to expectations, not as a replacement for workers rights.

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Re:German digital bank N26 is facing outcry from its staff o... by BrendanCoughlan on Friday August 14, 2020 @07:17AM (#24156463)

I think an American reader would expect a startup to almost always offer equity, but it's a language/culture-issue.

In English: startup, the: Early stage company with allegedly high growth potential offering equity instead of cash, based on the idea that will be a good deal if it really takes off.

In German: Startup, das: Small tech-company, usually Berlin-based, hipster culture, offering coolness and alleged skill development instead of cash, also fruit baskets and tabletop football.

Of course the glamour of a German Startup is heavily based on equivocation between those two concepts.

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Re:German digital bank N26 is facing outcry from its staff o... by detaro on Friday August 14, 2020 @07:20AM (#24156484)

It's also a stages thing. Early employees is one thing, at 1500 employees though? For all employees?

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Re:German digital bank N26 is facing outcry from its staff o... by BrendanCoughlan on Friday August 14, 2020 @06:59AM (#24156359)

Does N26 actually give their employees equity? I don't know about them specifically, but allmost all German "startups" don't.

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Re:German digital bank N26 is facing outcry from its staff o... by triceratops on Friday August 14, 2020 @04:43PM (#24163003)

> The benefits of working at a startup are enormous

Not really. I joined a 200-300 person startup that had a successful exit. On average, I made the same annually as I would have at one of the bigcos. With extra risk.

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Re:German digital bank N26 is facing outcry from its staff o... by MatmaRex on Friday August 14, 2020 @07:19PM (#24164406)

Good one, but it looks like you need an /s on this board.

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