GoodData Hosts CZ Tech Startups in SF

Last week GoodData was honored to host a group of representatives from several Czech-based early-stage startups, who were in town attending TechCrunch Disrupt SF. As GoodData has such strong roots in the Czech Republic, it was our privilege to hold an informal Q&A session with these entrepreneurs at our San Francisco headquarters.

“It was refreshing to see how startups from both sides of The Pond think about culture, innovation, and the speed of business. It’s fantastic to see someone spend just a couple of days in Silicon Valley and already be infected by and adapting to its business microclimate.”

Petr Olmer
Director of Professional Services @GoodData

The conversation flowed back and forth between our guests and GoodData’s panel of employees, mainly focusing on the similarities (and differences) in the startup scene and culture between San Francisco and the Czech Republic. In general, our guests seemed surprised by the pace at which technology companies operate here, and the overall “flatness” of corporate culture and organization compared to what they were used to, but this was explained as a necessity for both innovation and survival in San Francisco’s ultra competitive startup scene.

"Speed of innovation is fostered with horizontal org structures, but it goes deeper than just titles and reporting. It takes hiring leaders who value opinions and ideas regardless of who they come from, how old they are, what their title or background is, whose team they are on, or where they are from."

Johanna Hyde
Product Marketing Manager at GoodData

In all, the experience was an extremely positive one for all involved. It was a fantastic opportunity to join people together from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds to discuss and learn more about the challenges startups typically face. And as usual, once we began having a dialogue, the similarities became far more apparent than any differences; innovation is prized, time is valuable, and dedication is essential.

“This discussion reinforced the importance of having a culture of collaboration, where employees are encouraged to step forward with their ideas and propose solutions to any inefficiencies they see. If you can do that, it helps build a team where everyone is invested in the company's future and works together to succeed.”

Zara Wittirani
Data Product Manager @GoodData

Below is a list of the Czech-based startups that joined us for the Q&A. We wish them all the very best of luck and success, and hope to see them again soon!