The interview process is inefficient and an intentional time-waster. The hiring manager I spoke with was kind and seemed knowledgeable, but seems to be relatively new to this type of position and if I had to guess based on approach, had previous experience strictly with large recruiting firms. This is because the initial approach and hiring structure were much more focused on the sheer numbers/volume of interviewees coming before the quality and fit of candidates.
The interview process was based on arbitrary numbers and did not make sense for this type of company/position. 10 people were interviewed (not screened- interviewed) for one role, and then interviews moved on like the reality show Survivor, with pre-determined numbers to "cut" each round. Having a VP interview 10 people for a position at a small/medium-sized company is redundant, especially with the pre-determined goal of cutting 5 from the process.
Definitely a unique approach but makes very little sense in application for a company like this. First I've ever seen of this approach and it is genuinely baffling.