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Handbook Rough Draft Flipbook PDF
Handbook Rough Draft
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Originate Storybook
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Employee Handbook June 2014
The key to the kingdom WELCOME
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WHAT IS ORIGINATE?
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COMPANY HISTORY THE LEADERS ORIGINATE OFFICES WHAT MAKES ORIGINATE UNIQUE CHARACTER OF ORIGINATE GOALS PARTNERS NOT CLIENTS RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS EMPLOYEE REFERAL JOB DESCRIPTIONS QUESTIONS
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STAYING CONNECTED OFFICE ATMOSPHERE
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Welcome
Hey, welcome to Originate! Everyone is so stoked you are here! You are the best of the best and we mean that! At Originate your position will go as far as you would like it to grow; you are in charge of your success. This position is unlike any you have ever had. We want you to be involved in the growth and potential of Originate. So to get started, we would love to sync up by grabbing coffee to check in on your progress and career goals. Just ping us or put the appointment on our Google Calendar and we will accept it, no questions asked. Ya dig? Also, when you have some free time to schedule in make sure to read this employee manual, it will answer any questions you have. Okay, any questions? No? Great! Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down their partner! Does this sound familiar? This might have been a similar conversation within the first few hours of your employment. And I am sure you are dreading that you have to read some really dull employee handbook. But do not worry you are going to love working at Originate and things will slow down. Okay maybe they will not slow down, but you will at least begin understand the madness that is being thrown at you and how to manage it. The employee handbook is going to become your best friend and greatest resource! Best of all, it is not boring at all; just pretend it is a dear friend telling you everything you need to know about your new job and how to succeed. At Originate we care about you and want you to feel prepared in the best possible way! So sit back, put your feet up, grab a hot coffee and enjoy the Originate Storybook. Congratulations on your new job, I mean new opportunity! Disclaimer: If the book does turn out to be really boring then please break the news to us gently; we worked really hard and it will hurt our feelings. Thank you.
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What is Originate?
Originate is a high-‐end software development firm and product based venture fund rolled into one. Our mission is to enable the world’s best software talent to solve the world’s most ambitious problems. But that is just what we do. Who we are is much, much more. We are a company of thinkers, problem solvers and technology lovers. Our staff strives to be the best and create the best for our partners. We work collectively, collaboratively and creatively in order to branch out as one of the best software development firms in the industry. Originate, Inc. is not your average software company, we are the future generation of technology and the pioneers of creative business collaboration.
Company history
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The Leaders
These head honchos are the faces and names you should become familiar with. Study carefully there will be a quiz at the end… I am serious, there will be.
Rob Meadows Jeff Scheinrock Doug Mandell CEO/Partner CFO/Partner Partner
Lloyd Taylor Richard Morganstern Erik Straser Executive Advisor Senior Advisor Venture Advisor
Dave Mathews Matthew Pierce Advisor CEO of OLabs
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Originate Offices
Originate is growing extremely fast! We are opening offices in the most technologically savy and advanced cities around the United States and around the world. Check out all of our offices and try to visit them all. New York City
60 Madison Avenue, Penthouse New York City, NY 10010
Los Angeles
10990 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 140 Los Angeles, CA 90024
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San Francisco
580 Market Street, 3rd Floor San Francisco, California 94104
Las Vegas
The InNEVation Center 6795 Edmond Street, Suite 160 Las Vegas, NV 89118 Stockholm
Hus 24 Prästgatan 24 111 29 Stockholm, Sweden
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Orange County
1691 Kettering Street Irvine, CA 92614
Silicon Valley
298 Sunnyvale Avenue, Suite 102 Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Hangzhou
2 Zijinghua Road Hangzhou 310012 P.R. China
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What Makes Originate Unique
Originate is a step above the rest. We are unique in the way we do business, care for our partners and work as a staff. Company: We advocate for a work hard, play hard environment in which everyone’s voice is heard and the best solution can be implemented. What we do is build extraordinary value for all of our partners, team members and stakeholders. We strive to be completed aligned in everything we do and aligned with everyone we work with. Whether with partners, entrepreneurs, teams members, advisors or investors we open up a line of constant communication so everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goal. Partners: Our range of partners and projects is diverse; an Originator could potentially work on a visionary MVP with a startup CEO, a well-‐funded startup that needs to scale past the first million users, a Fortune 500 company building a disruptive technology to stay ahead of the curve or an internal “Originate Lab”s project. We are not afraid to try new methods to succeed. There is a flat hierarchy and small dynamic teams that change based on the project, timing and technical/domain expertise of the Originate team members. We are also not afraid to take risks to gain significantly bigger rewards. Our partners can feel comfortable that Originate is providing them with the best quality service Staff: At Originate we treat our staff as a collaborative body. We hire our employees who exhibit PRIDE. We are extremely transparent; our company gathers as a whole every Monday morning in order to discuss all aspects of engineering projects, portfolio companies, fundraising, deal flow, office happenings, recruiting, operations and demos of products. We offer a 20%
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equity and profit of all our investments and partner projects through an Innovation Equity program. We encourage staff at Originate to working on their own startup projects through our Entrepreneur/Engineer in Residence (EIR) Program. The IP is owned 100% by the EIR participants. We want everyone’s voices to be heard in order to implement the best solution and crave unique people with the desire to promote different solutions.
Character of Originate
Originate strives to be a unique collaboration of hard work and productivity with a mix of creativity and individual input. At Originate we take our work and image very seriously. We strive to be the absolute best as business partners, designers, engineers, leaders and product managers. Our Mantra is “Be Extraordinary in everything we do.” Originate upholds our core values, People, Alignment, Value and Risk, in every single task. We hire the most incredible people who meet and fit into our PRIDE hiring criteria. We ensure alignment in everything we do and ensure balanced incentives. Originate builds incredibly valuable and revolutionary programs and software. This value is found in its financial upside as well as the knowledge and experience we bring to the development of our products. Our partners also receive the value of our credibility and brand name in the industry bringing along the resources to provide a happy and successful partnership. We also are not afraid to take risks in order to gain significant rewards. These values are what distinguish our company from many of the other startup developers in the industry. On top of that, we are just really great people to work with.
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Partners Not Clients
So whom do we do business with? There are a lot of aspects going into choosing a partner. Most importantly we look for the the ability to collaborate. A major aspect of the character of Originate is that our “clients” are referred to as our “partners”. This might seems like a complicated mix-‐up of terminology in the business realm, however it is for good reason that our clients are instead referred to as our partners. According to Merriam Webster, client is defined as “a professional person or organization for services”, whereas the term partner is defined as “a person who shares or is associated with another in some action or endeavor; sharer; associate”. This clear differentiation perfectly explains Originate’s goal in having partners rather than clients; we work through a unique partnership model that allows us to collaborate as a single team-‐ all aligned toward the same goal. Our partnership model spans from applying Lean and Agile methodologies, along with our own Origin process, in order to deliver high velocity innovation. Using Lean’s “work smarter, not harder” alternative and the Agile movement’s “incremental” strategy, the partners and Originate engineers and project managers have the opportunity to perfect each aspect of a project and reevaluate the it every step of the way. This is done through a series of “Sprints” and evaluations done in two-‐week increments. This reduces risk in the product and enhances the overall success of the technology. Another critical step we take with our partners is reducing our cash cost in exchange for equity, profit share, performance bonus or other creative incentive structures. When Originate commits to a partner, we commit to the risk as well. This methodology is applied to an external partner as well as with internal projects under “Originate Labs”.
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To give you an example just at what we have been busy working on, below you will find a brief list and description of some of our partners. A comprehensive list of partners past and present can be found on the Originate Google Site or on the Originate website. • Angie’s List: Angie’s List is a centralized place where users can find high quality service companies and health care professionals in over 700 categories. Originate worked with Angie’s List by providing ideas for product vision, design and software engineering. Using the Origin process Originate was able to develop Angie’s List while also introducing the SnapFix app in just 12 weeks. • BetTracker: Named EGaming Review’s Best Sports Application of 2011 and the #1 betting app in the Apple App Store, BetTracker is an immersive and interactive experience for sports spectators. Users get constant, real-‐ time updates and win/loss probabilities for their favorite sports. Originate was pleased with the development of the app based technology.
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• EduSchedu: A prime example of including employees passion’s into our endeavors is EduSchedu. Designed and created by two Originate employees under the Entrepreneur/Engineer in Residence (EIR) program (will be explained in the book at a later point), the academic planner and lesson planning tool for educators simplifies and organizes the preparation process to make it easier to share with their students and colleagues. • NewAer: Originate has begun to work with investment partners, Intel, In-‐Q-‐Tel and T-‐ mobile to enhance the NewAer technology. NewAer is the next generation of peer-‐to-‐peer communication and proximity location that will be perform functions based on who or what is detected around its space. • Refollow: Originate has partnered with Refollow, a Twitter account management tool that will boost your followers and help build your online reputation. Originate has created a platform with simple layout and easy to use tools to connect with people on Twitter.
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Recruitment and Selection
Originate takes a unique approach to acquiring its staff. From the process we use in the hiring process to the way we handle Originators during their employment. Originate only hires people who are excited about working at Originate and want to accomplish great things. Our recruiting process is different in itself. We allow for many scenarios to play out when hiring; we can finish the entire process in 2 days or it can take up to a month. We do not limit ourselves to one process in order to get the best talent that is currently out there. Our recruiting department is also extremely flexible and has decision-‐making authority to find holes/ deficiencies in certain areas to avoid the need for a person becoming painful to the organization. And if we stumble upon a great candidate, we do everything we can in order to utilize amazing people. For Engineers, the talent department determines who is interviewed and the Directors of Software do not review resumes. We do this so that we can hire the most talented Originators as possible, not just those with a fancy resume. In the engineering interviews, candidates are asked to write code so they can prove their actual skills as well as tested with the proprietary “Originate Talent” code assessment. For all of our candidates, the CEO has the final say on whether or not they are Originate worthy, often times providing the most technical grilling of any interview in the series. Lastly, though we do pay slightly less than the market rate we do this to ensure that everyone has “skin in the game” and enables us to have employees who want to be here. Salary is not a determinative factor for employment at Originate; people are here because they want to work for this company and it is not a place that puts people above or below others. We are a team.
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As for you, you are here for a reason. Your cunning smarts, ingenious imagination and of course, devious good looks are some of the factors that brought you into this position. Unlike most large companies, Originate does not focus only on resumes for potential new-‐hires. The leadership at Originate believes however, that a company based on success, positive morals, potential and growth is created through an employee base of people with those same ideals. Thus, you were hired because of for your intelligence, ability to perform and adaptability in one of the fastest growing startup companies in the industry. An Ivy League diploma certainly helps your chances for one of the coveted Originate titles but you’ve got to have the right stuff to make the final cut. So what is this stuff we are talking about? To get right down to it, Originate hires employees with PRIDE: Productive: Originate Staff have the innate ability to get tasks done in a timely manner without or without direction from their supervisor. One Originator has the ability to accomplish the tasks of three employees working at another company. Yeah, you are that good! Note: You are a superstar employee if you have the ability to read you supervisor’s mind and get the work done even before they ask, but do not worry you are still hirable if you do not possess this God-‐given talent. Remarkable: Originators are all around amazing people. Even though you can solve problems quickly and in revolutionary ways, you are also extremely humble. Your self-‐awareness and respectfulness is a diamond in the rough, which is not taken lightly here at Originate. Your honesty and openness with others is extremely valuable and makes our partners even more willing to do business with us. Our partners know when they come to Originate, they are going to be getting the top-‐
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notch technology from a top-‐notch staff that is easy to work with, listens to suggestion, has creative ideas and at the end of the day are easy to work with. This is so rare in a technology company. Intelligent: It goes with out saying that anyone who works in the technology industry needs to be smart. But you are the cream of the crop, the crème de la crème, the bees knee’s, the cat’s meow, the cat’s pajamas, all that and a bag of potato chips… okay I think you get the point. But don’t forget not only are you smart you are extremely modest. You are basically the Clark Kent of the technology world. In the office you come off as humble Clark Kent but when you are doing your job or programming you are Superman (or woman) and your intelligence really shines through! Dynamic: Google, Fortune Magazine’s 2014 Best Place to Work For, uses a test called the “Layover Test” as one of its hiring criteria. Basically this test is when the company looks beyond GPA and resume and accesses as to which applicant you would rather be stuck in the airport with? Google is not seeking a new pen pal but is looking for the candidate that can challenge their thinking, bring new perspectives and help the company to grow to its fullest potential. Originate seeks the same traits in its staff believing that what a person believes and their passions is almost important as the institution they have trained at. Enthusiastic: What is your passion? Originate wants employees who are excited and dedicated to their work. We firmly believe that your desire to want to build a great product is the driving force behind our success and growth as a company.
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Employee Referral
We believe that cool people hang out with other cool people. So if you have friends or family who you feel can be a good fit for Originate and really understand the vibe of the company, then please refer them to your supervisor! Also, you benefit from having super-‐awesome friends. Originate’s Employee Referral Program will rew So if you do not have really humble, down to earth and smart friends then go out and make some. Not only will it get you some extra green in your pocket but you have a new friend and Originate will become even more amazing!
Job Titles and Descriptions With just over 138 employees there are a lot of positions that you will ask, “What the heck do they do?” To ease your mind and clear up some confusion, this list is a break down of what each position is all about, most of the descriptions being written by the person themselves! If you have more questions about the position, then find the person and ask them! They won’t bite… well maybe Russ Logan will. Executives • Chief Executive Officer (CEO): the fearless leader, director, decision maker, leader, manager and executor; values the importance of happiness and collaboration of Originate staff • Chief Financial Officer (CFO): • Partner: • Executive Advisor:
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• • • •
Senior Advisor: Venture Advisor: Advisor: CEO of OLabs:
Software Production • VP of Software Production: • Director of Software: works closely with the Director of Engineering, focuses on the development of internal cultural and software methodologies to empower engineers to consistently build to the highest technical standards • Director of Engineering: • Design Director: kevin smith • Director of Organizational Development: • Director of Technical Training: leads the effort toward the building of Originate University and provides technical training and technical guidance to internal and external engineering teams • Quality Assurance: applies the appropriate amount of quality practices, methodology monitoring and testing tasks to development processes assisting the product management and engineering teams to better ensure the production of the solution
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• Product Manager: works with our partners to make sure Originate is building the right products and then does whatever it takes to get it done • Project Manager: the person who keeps a project moving forward, constantly knowing where we are and where we need to be to make sure we complete on time and on budget • Project Coordinator: assists the Project Manager in overseeing project timelines, setting priorities and milestones, communicating with partners, and ensuring the overall success of the project • Designer: tracy fu • Software Architect: denis tarima, eric kramer • Software Engineer: designs, develops, and maintains software applications, typically in teams with other engineers, and works closely with product managers and designers to create incredible software • Software Engineer Intern: similar responsibilities as a Software Engineer but work under the guidance and help of a mentor Strategy • VP of Strategy: works on the business end of Originate by structuring and managing investments, evaluating solutions roles, providing strategic advising and performing work in the non-‐software category
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• Director of Products and Services: • Analytics Architect: works with the Strategy team to benchmark company goals and objectives and design solutions for measuring, testing and optimizing the product of an engagement
• Growth Hacker: Growth hacking is a hybrid between a marketer and coder, looking to answer the traditional question of “How do I grow my company or product?” with A/B tests, viral campaigns, community connection, and social channel traction, then ensuring the validated methods are embedded in the core of a company or product • Experience Innovator: collaborates with others to create seamless, user-‐centered experiences both on and offline • Innovative Designer: manages the design and production of media for Originate; designs logos, websites, apps and T-‐shirts, films and edits videos • Business Coordinator: works with the Strategy, Solutions and Operations teams to support business development and financial functions within the organization Solutions • VP of Solutions: brings in and maintains relationships, establishes new partnerships and ensures that Originate is working to build product solutions; responsible for creating solutions instead of working as a sales department
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• VP of UX (User Experience):
• UX Lead/Innovator: researches, defines, designs, and validates successful product experiences that are aligned with business goals and user needs Operations • VP of Operations: russ • Director of Finance: • Staff Accountant: completes daily operations such as payroll, project tracking, and general accounting • Operations Manager: monty • Project Coordinator: payton miller • Business Evangelist: joe harte • Recruiting Coordinator: provides support to the recruiting team by coordinating the logistics of the recruitment process, tracking and reporting numbers and metrics, assisting with event coordination and performing other administrative duties that support the recruiting team as necessary • Office Manager: In charge of overall office administration, take ownership to provide good and efficient daily office operations and employee support • Executive Assistant: enhances the executive's effectiveness by providing information management
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support and representing the executive to employees and the public • Administrative Assistant: facilitates office logistics which includes tracking/ordering equipment, setting up conference calls, processing invoices, and researching/implementing new office initiatives • Office Assistant: responsible for the overall maintenance, cleanliness, operations and the day-‐to-‐day of the office; honorary coffee-‐guy or gal • Human Resources (HR)/ Operations Intern: organizes essential information regarding the company and its portfolio; assists the Operations Team with the day-‐to-‐ day tasks
Goals Originate is always looking toward the future. We hope to become one of the largest names in the tech-‐startup company and be able to hold our own against the big boys. Thus, our company has outlined some detailed goals in order to soar to the top. 1 Year Goals: • Create a functional leadership model, outlining and distinguishing the different sectors of the company (Business Development, Product, Design, Development and Operations) • 1 successful exit of an Originate partner • See 1 deal in the top 100 deals of the year
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• Add employees to our ever expanding company (40 to the US, 5 offshore, 2 in Europe) • Promote clear, consistent and constant communication within the company • Additional training and mentoring for Originators • Encourage employees to contribute in areas beyond their normal scope • Celebrate more wins for the company • Hold up to 20 events per year • Free up more CEO time • Start building more Originate Labs projects • Build a closer relationship with Switch • Continue to raise the quality in our partners 3 Year Goals: • Establish a presence in the Europe and South America • Promote a credible and working EIR program • Better and make Innovation Equity program more credible • Hire 250-‐300 top-‐notch employees • Have 6 successful partner exits • Establish 40 self-‐sufficient portfolio companies • Create 5 offices that are self-‐sufficient and can manage cash flow, resources and leadership responsibilities independently • See 5 of the top 100 deals of the year and do 2 of them • Promote successful fund operation • Enact 10x-‐100x speed bar for 90% of employees • Host 60 events a year with at least 5 per office per year 10 Year Goals: • Have 500+ employees in at least 8+ offices
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• Generate significant value to employees • Establish credibility so Originate is the first though for anyone starting a tech company • Enact 10x-‐100x speed bar for 100% of employees • Been successful in building 50 companies, products and startups • Hold 100 events a year
Questions Google Sites Page & Website So by now you’ve settled into your new workspace, set up your fancy laptop, found out where the Keurig is and of course have tested every flavor of K-‐Cup, and you are ready to get down to business. Yeah! But wait? You do not know where to begin! Oh my! Where can a valued Originate employee like yourself go to find out information on current projects and research past projects? If only there was some amazingly organized and awesome system that has everything about Originate’s clients! Wait a tick, there is! Thanks to the HR Intern, AnnE Diemer, the Originate Google Sites is fully underway! You can search through every nook and cranny of the Site to find out the latest and greatest of Originate’s undertakings! Bam! Just click on the tab called Projects, go figure, and start scrolling and clicking to your hearts content. Find project information, project manager contacts and more. The google sites are also chalk full of other important tidbits such as travel information, human resource
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documents, office information, employee directory and more. Basically if you need anything just go here. The Originate website is also super dooper helpful. It has well written stories about all of Originate’s partners giving you the inside scoop. Also,
Office Atmosphere
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