Kimi, a tech company, is navigating a challenging landscape marked by competition from a newcomer named DeepSeek. Employees felt the impact of DeepSeek's rise acutely, especially during a company meeting where concerns about attracting talent surfaced. Questions about why potential hires should choose Kimi over DeepSeek highlighted a growing respect for the competitor. Some employees, like Alex from the algorithm team, felt excitement rather than fear, indicating a shift in Kimi’s internal culture. The company’s structure is unconventional, lacking formal departments or strict hierarchies. Instead, it operates like an agile team where roles are fluid, and everyone is expected to adapt and contribute across various functions. This approach appeals to those who thrive in less structured environments. Employees are encouraged to take risks and pursue innovative ideas, fostering a sense of ownership among them. The emphasis is on developing a diverse skill set, as seen in team members who blend algorithm design, system engineering, and data curation. Kimi's leadership, particularly founder Yang Zhilin, attracts talent through a genuine passion for technology rather than a mere business perspective. This commitment to detail and authenticity resonated with new hires like Karen, who chose Kimi over other offers. The cultural ethos at Kimi resists conventional corporate narratives; employees prefer to let their work speak for itself without unnecessary embellishments. The company's identity is shaped by its mission and the creativity of its workforce rather than by marketing gimmicks or superficial connections to pop culture.