[SkidanovAlex]

Since there's no barrier to start a startup, there will always be companies at which the growth will be slow.

A good startup with strong engineering team and fast shipping cycle will provide with way more learning opportunities than FAANG.

Personally, I think for a fresh grad going to an early stage startup or to FAANG is a close call in terms of value. 1.5-2 years at FAANG gives a good boost to the resume to pursue better opportunities later, while 1.5-2 years at a startup can provide more learning and potentially some upside already. At that stage there's time to take chances either way. A close-to-IPO company is also a viable option.

My goal in the article was not to say startups are bad (or good), but rather to provide insights so that people can make more informed decisions.