Will Reed’s Top 100
THE CULTURE LIST
A look at one hundred emerging tech companies who are building high-performance cultures rooted in leadership, communication, appreciation, and conviction.
*For comprehensive methodology details, please contact top100@willreed.com.
The Standout Awards
Three companies on Will Reed’ Top 100 were unanimously selected by our world-class panel of judges for their commitment to leadership, communication and appreciation.
Take a look…
[#1] Cocoon
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Our two founders both became parents within the first year and half of starting Cocoon.
Being open about the challenges that come with juggling a child and running a company allows Cocoon's employees to share the caregiving responsibilities they have to take on as well.
Our leaders don’t just talk about creating a new era for leave–they pioneer it firsthand. Our leadership team has lived through some of the experiences that Cocoon exists to transform, and they use that lens to thoughtfully craft an experience that helps our people show up as their fullest selves.
[#3] Demostack
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Appreciation and recognition are integral parts of our culture, ensuring that employees feel valued and motivated. During each All Hands meeting, we highlight and celebrate exceptional work. We ensure that all employees are exposed to these recognitions by discussing what was done, why it was impactful, and how it contributed to the team, the company, and our product. This not only honors the individual but also provides inspiration and clear examples of our values in action.
Our 'Good Word' initiative allows managers and colleagues to publicly acknowledge and appreciate individual or team efforts in one of the public channels (company or site-specific channels).
Managers have the discretion to offer a day off to employees after a particularly strenuous effort. We recognize that time is the most precious reward, and granting a day off emphasizes the importance of work-life balance. This gesture says to employees, "You and your family are important; spend more time with them."
[#8] DryvIQ
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Our communication style fosters transparency, inclusivity, and ongoing engagement among all team members, from entry-level employees to senior leadership.
Open Door Policy: We maintain an open door policy for all managers and leaders, encouraging team members to approach their supervisors or any member of the leadership team with questions, concerns, or suggestions. This policy supports a culture of openness and prompt attention to issues.
Weekly 1:1 Meetings: Each team member has a weekly one-on-one meeting with their direct manager. These meetings are a cornerstone of our communication strategy, ensuring continuous alignment, providing an opportunity for personal development, and allowing for the discussion of ongoing projects and performance.
Business Unit Councils: These councils comprise representatives from various departments within each business unit. They meet regularly to discuss current challenges, share successes, and strategize on cross-departmental initiatives and improvements.
Monthly All-Hands Meetings: We hold a company-wide All-Hands meeting every month. These sessions include business updates, strategic direction from our leadership, and a dedicated Q&A segment where employees can submit questions anonymously. This setup ensures everyone can ask management anything, promoting transparency and direct communication.
Anonymous Feedback Form: We provide an anonymous feedback form that goes directly to the CEO. This form is essential for our employees to voice their concerns, suggestions, or feedback without any reservations about anonymity, ensuring that all voices can be heard directly at the top level.
Regular Business Update Emails: Our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and CEO send regular emails that provide updates on the business, key achievements, ongoing challenges, and future directions. These communications help keep everyone informed and engaged with the company's progress and strategic goals.
LOOKING TO 2025…
