Start-up, scaling or enterprise: The pros and cons when joining a new company
By Julien Funes.
In the fast-evolving world of biotech, life sciences and medtech, career choices are not just about roles. They are about environments. Whether you are a software engineer, data scientist or technical leader, deciding between a start-up, scaling company or an established enterprise can shape your career trajectory and your day-to-day experience. With innovation accelerating and the demand for tech-driven solutions in drug discovery, medical imaging and digital health growing rapidly, this decision has never been more important.
1. Impact versus structure
Start-ups and scaling companies offer a rare opportunity to see your work directly influence a product, a team or the company’s strategy. Take a look at Deep MedChem as an example. An engineer in an early-stage AI-driven drug discovery company, for example, might develop core predictive models, design platform workflows or build infrastructure that supports multiple drug programmes. In enterprises, the impact is often more incremental but comes with robust processes, structured mentorship and clear career progression. Large companies may allow you to work on systems that reach thousands of patients or support global clinical trials, but the influence of any single contribution can feel diluted.
2. Flexibility versus predictability
Life in a start-up often means wearing multiple hats. Engineers may find themselves coding, deploying and troubleshooting across the stack, and sometimes venturing into completely new areas such as cloud infrastructure, data pipelines or regulatory compliance tools. This versatility accelerates learning and skill-building but can bring long hours and shifting priorities. Enterprises offer predictable workflows, established toolsets and specialist roles. This predictability supports focus, deep expertise and work-life balance, but can feel restrictive if you thrive on rapid innovation and variety.
3. Culture and growth opportunities
Start-up culture is dynamic, fast-paced and highly collaborative. You can watch the company evolve daily, form strong cross-functional relationships and help shape team practices. Scaling companies often sit in the middle, balancing operational maturity with agility. Enterprises provide formal professional development programmes, global networks and structured training. However, change can be slower and bureaucracy may limit creative problem-solving. Understanding which environment aligns with your values, preferred work style and long-term goals is crucial.
Conclusion
Choosing between a start-up, scaling company or enterprise is not about right or wrong, it is about fit. Consider the level of impact, flexibility and growth opportunities you want and the stage of company development that excites you most. For software engineers in life sciences and medtech, these choices directly shape the projects you work on, the skills you develop and the contribution you make to advancing healthcare technologies.
If you are weighing your options, speaking with someone who understands both the technical landscape and the nuances of start-ups versus enterprises can provide valuable clarity. Your next career move could define the trajectory of your impact in the field.
About the author
As a Senior Recruitment Consultant at Aspire Life Sciences, Julien Funes’ expertise lies at the nexus of technology and life sciences. He recruits top Software Engineers and data talent for Biotech and life sciences startups across Europe and North America. He is committed to advancing the industry by sourcing and securing top-tier talent for roles in these critical sectors. His approach enables him to effectively match candidates with opportunities where technological innovation meets life science excellence.
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