u/Initial-Physics-3023

Hey folks,

So I recently got an offer from a startup(15 employees) that’s been founded by two ex-directors from a big analog & mixed-signal MNC. The cool part is that the company is purely analog-based, which feels kinda rare these days.

For context, I’m a recent master’s graduate from IIT Delhi and I’ve always been genuinely interested in analog design. I also have a small plan of possibly doing a phd later, though I’m not entirely sure about it yet. The not-so-cool part is that the pay is pretty low compared to what other established startups/MNCs are giving. That said, they told me I’ll actually get to work on real design and not just CAD grunt work.

Now I’m kinda torn and wanted to get some insights from people here:

1. Is it worth joining a startup like this for the experience even if the pay is low in the beginning?

2. What are the most important questions I should ask them before accepting? (like what blocks I’ll work on, tape-outs, etc.)

3. If I do join, what should I focus on learning in the first 1–2 years to build a strong profile (schematic, layout, simulations, verification, etc.)?

4. If I stay for 3–4 years and then move to another company in India (say TI/ADI), what kind of salary prospects can I realistically expect?

Anyone here who’s been through the startup → MNC path in analog design, I’d love to hear your insights.

Thanks in advance 🙏

Hey folks,

So I recently got an offer from a startup(15 employees) that’s been founded by two ex-directors from a big analog & mixed-signal MNC. The cool part is that the company is purely analog-based, which feels kinda rare these days.

For context, I’m a recent master’s graduate from IIT Delhi and I’ve always been genuinely interested in analog design. I also have a small plan of possibly doing a phd later, though I’m not entirely sure about it yet. The not-so-cool part is that the pay is pretty low compared to what other established startups/MNCs are giving. That said, they told me I’ll actually get to work on real design and not just CAD grunt work.

Now I’m kinda torn and wanted to get some insights from people here:

1. Is it worth joining a startup like this for the experience even if the pay is low in the beginning?

2. What are the most important questions I should ask them before accepting? (like what blocks I’ll work on, tape-outs, etc.)

3. If I do join, what should I focus on learning in the first 1–2 years to build a strong profile (schematic, layout, simulations, verification, etc.)?

4. If I stay for 3–4 years and then move to another company in India (say TI/ADI), what kind of salary prospects can I realistically expect?

Anyone here who’s been through the startup → MNC path in analog design, I’d love to hear your insights.

Thanks in advance 🙏