Start-up bank with great culture - Vice President Silicon Valley Bank Employee Review

3.0
20 Oct 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

There are so many great things about SVB: great benefits, the culture, and the start-up ecosystem. The Bank is well known in the start- ups and venture community; they bank close to 60% or more of the start-ups. You will learn a lot about business development, underwriting and portfolio management.

Cons

Politics and favoritism are what is killing the culture that the company built since its founding. Some managers are incompetent, weak and will throw you under the bus. Other than this, most people are pleasure to work with and you will make life long friends.

Explore other reviews about Silicon Valley Bank

5.0
13 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

People are nice and it's a great culture company to work.

Cons

can not think of it

1.0
31 Mar 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Pre-2023, excellent culture and team environment, strong compensation and bonuses, and generous budgets that supported employees well.

Cons

Since the 2023 bankruptcy, the company has struggled to regain its identity. There has been significant turnover in senior leadership, and much of the experienced management team has departed. This has led to inconsistent direction, frequent misalignment between leadership messaging and execution, and a noticeable decline in employee confidence. Compensation, bonuses, and career progression opportunities have become less competitive, and overall employee support has diminished. The organization now feels more like a rebranded extension of First Citizens rather than the distinct institution it once was. There is also an over-layering of management, with too many overlapping roles and unclear accountability, which slows decision-making and creates unnecessary complexity. Finally, the company has lost much of its competitive edge post-2023, with ongoing client attrition and reputational challenges that employees are left to address without clear strategic direction.

1
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All