Pros
At SingleStore I gained very valuable experience, was able to move up in the company and made great personal connections. In addition, I got to learn about a pretty interesting technology and a very attractive market.
Cons
Despite my personal pros, the company never seamed to be able to define a clear vision for their product and go to market strategy or execute on the half baked ideas they came up with. A lot of other reviews have placed the blame on the current management and its contribution to creating a bro culture. I think those comments are valid but don't fully explain why the company is headed in the wrong direction. A lot of companies can succeed even when the culture is toxic. Just look at Uber. The problem with SingleStore's management is they don't understand the market and aren't patient or focused enough to try. And for a database company they are appallingly un data driven. The criticism that Raj has hired only his friends and 'yes men' is entirely true. Once again, the CEO hiring her friends doesn't mean the company will fail. Unfortunately, this CEO's friends lack relevant experience and are totally incompetent when it comes to building and managing teams. The saddest part is SingleStore's problems were entirely foreseeable and straight forward to address. Because this company's management doesn't appreciate data or have the courage to make difficult decisions like letting go of certain executives I don't think it will have an IPO. I do, however, think it makes a very sensible purchase for a PE company like Vista or Silver Lake - I'm buying my shares.