Major favoritism. Some employees are the pets of the CEO and are kept on payroll even though no one really sees them doing much. There is a protected class of the CEO's favorites and a class of employees that break their backs for very little gain. Pay is sub-par and they keep touting the benefits of a start-up. This company was founded 12 years ago - the "start-up" card is old and not applicable anymore. They need to get in line with better pay, better benefits, better treatment of people. You can't work people to death and say it's part of the startup culture. If you're going to ask so much, then the comp packages need to be better aligned.