Coinbase prioritizes hiring exceptional talent and outlines an intensive interview process that spans approximately 60 days. The stages include application review, recruiter screening, structured assessments, and multiple interviews, all aimed at ensuring candidates align with the company's high standards and culture.

Startups must prioritize recruiting a strong early team before reaching $1 million ARR, as the quality of the company is directly tied to the quality of its team. Founders should focus on hiring senior generalists initially, as their presence can attract top-tier talent and shape the company’s culture and trajectory over time. A single poor hire can have compounding negative effects on the team and overall success.