When your company is just starting out, everything feels fast and exciting. Everyone knows each other, decisions happen quickly, and the team works like one big family. That’s what we call “startup energy” or “startup agility.”
But as your team grows—maybe you now have 100 or more employees—things start to change. Communication takes longer, more rules come in, and it’s harder to keep that same fun and fast-moving vibe. Your “honeymoon” phase has ended.
So, how do you keep your startup culture strong even as your business grows bigger? Can you still be quick, creative, and connected with a larger team?
The good news is: yes, you can! In this blog, we’ll share some tips to help you build a company culture that grows with you without losing the spirit that made your startup special. Let’s get started!
Why growing companies lose their agility
As your business grows, the way you work is bound to transform. That’s not a bad thing, it just means you’re evolving; poised for a more controlled success.
But sometimes, in the middle of all this growth, agility can start to slip away. Let’s take a closer look at how and where agility gets stuck and what you can watch out for:
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Too much structure, too soon:
It’s tempting to create a process for everything—how to send emails, how to book meetings, how to launch a new idea. But if you're not careful, these systems can pile up and slow people down. The key is to stay organised without overdoing it.
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Unclear decision-making:
As more people join, it can get confusing who decides what. Teams might wait for approval because they’re unsure who’s in charge. This causes delays, not because people are slow, but because the path forward isn’t clear.
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Loss of ownership:
In small teams, everyone feels responsible for everything. But in bigger companies, people sometimes think, “That’s not my job.” When this happens, progress slows because people stop taking initiative.
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Less room for quick experiments:
Startups thrive on trying things quickly and learning fast. But with more people and responsibilities, teams can start playing it safe. They worry about mistakes, so they stop experimenting. And that’s when agility starts to fade.
Warning signs your culture is fading
Sometimes, company culture doesn’t break with one swift blow; it just slowly fades. Things start to feel different, but it’s hard to say why. If you’re not paying attention, you might miss the early signs.
Here are a few warning signs that your culture needs some care:
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New team members feel lost:
If new people are unsure how things work or don’t feel included, your culture may not be welcoming enough.
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No one speaks up:
When meetings go quiet or people stop sharing ideas, it could mean they don’t feel comfortable or heard.
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Different teams act differently:
If one team is full of energy and another is always stressed, it might mean your culture is not consistent across the company.
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People only do the basics:
If your team used to go the extra mile but now just does the bare minimum, it’s a sign that something’s off.
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Your best people leave quietly:
When your top performers start leaving or seem unhappy, it could be because they no longer feel connected to the company.
How to keep your culture strong as you grow
Noticing a few signs your culture is fading? Don’t worry—it’s completely normal as your team gets bigger. The good news is, with a few simple changes, you can keep that startup spirit alive and well. Here’s how to do it:
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Define your culture clearly
Your culture is not just about office snacks or team outings. It’s about how people work, talk, and treat each other every day.
Ask yourself:
- What do we believe in as a company?
- How do we want our teams to behave?
- What kind of work attitude do we want everyone to have?
Once you’re clear on this, write it down and share it with the whole team. Make it part of your training, meetings, and even how you review performance.
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Hire people who bring energy
Hiring people who “fit in” is okay, but hiring people who bring new ideas is even better.
Look for people who:
- Believe in your values
- Have different backgrounds and experiences
- Are excited to help grow your company culture
Ask questions during interviews like, “How would you make our team better?” or “What do you think makes a great company culture?”
Also Read: How To Build Your Dream Team
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Keep your communication friendly and open
As the team grows, don’t let communication become boring or too formal.
Here’s how to keep it real:
- Use simple, friendly language
- Share wins, challenges, and behind-the-scenes stories
- Let leaders speak honestly, not like robots
- Ask for feedback and show that you’re listening
People want to feel included and heard. That’s what keeps the culture alive.
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Let teams make decisions
When everything needs approval, work slows down. Instead, help teams feel trusted and free to act.
You can:
- Set clear boundaries, but let teams choose how to work
- Allow space for trial and error
- Cheer for action, not just perfect results
Giving freedom builds confidence and keeps that startup speed going.
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Keep your fun traditions alive
Do you have a Friday quiz? Monthly birthday cakes? Silly team nicknames? Keep those traditions going as you grow. They’re not just fun, they’re part of your culture.
Try to:
- Make your traditions official and part of the calendar
- Let new team members suggest their own ideas
- Mix people from different teams for events
These little things help everyone feel connected.
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Train managers to lead with culture
Managers play a big role in shaping how teams feel. A great manager can lift the team’s energy. A bad one? Well, not so much.
Support your managers to:
- Be kind and clear when leading people
- Act as role models for company values
- Give good feedback, not just instructions
- Make sure everyone feels safe to speak and share
Help your managers grow, and they’ll help your culture grow too.
Wrapping it up
Growing your team doesn’t mean you have to lose your startup spark. With a little thought and care, you can build a company culture that stays fun, fast, and full of energy, even with 100+ people. You just need to focus on clear values, open communication, and a sense of trust across the company and keep your traditions alive, support your managers, and most importantly, keep listening to your people. Culture isn’t something you set and forget; it’s something you build every day, and when you get it right, it becomes your company’s superpower.
Are you looking for more tips to stay fresh in a constantly changing industry? Don’t get left behind! At Smart Moves by Tally, we’ve compiled everything the small business owner and marketer of today needs to remain relevant and focused.
