Startups subscribe to their own brand of subculture, creating ecosystems often typified by slick offices, cool perks and a laid back vibe. A brief visit to any startup HQ will introduce you to some interesting characters – but not all of them are human.
A tour of Europe’s startup offices has revealed that more than a few teams have adopted an office mascot. Bringing animals into the workplace is not exactly a new thing. Big names like Google have encouraged staff to bring their own pets to the office a while now. It’s become a characteristic for companies and startups who don’t adhere to conventions, but rather focus on making employees feel at home.
The 💜 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
Photo: Eduardo Martin
Text analytics experts Retecnica enjoy a friendly atmosphere with this little guy being part of the team. Smart, innovative, creative, enthusiastic and potty trained.
Photo: Stefy Gutovska
Cloud based software startup Prezi is one of those companies that has a great startup culture. You can find a furious ping-pong battle, a chilled-out yoga session, and maybe this little furball patrolling around.
Photo: Stefy Gutovska
This heroic startup creates dashboards that visualize and analyze data, but behind every great superhero stands a faithful sidekick; behind Captain Dash stands this trusty office pup.
The Food Assembly. Paris, France
Photo:Stefy Gutovska
Two and a half years ago, the team was composed of less than five people. Today, the Food Assembly team comprises more than 40 full time employees – and one larger-than-life canine.
Photo: Jorge Vidal
BauBnb wants to change the dog-sitting experience, allowing dog owners to find a family environment for their dogs in real homes and away from kennels. Team members believe that being “just” a dog lover doesn’t make you a good dog-sitter. This pooch agrees.
Photo: Max Threlfall
The Itembase team is a great mix of very ambitious and creative minds from all over the world. Every employee contributes to the cause of becoming the online inventory for everything and everyone.
Photo: Guillermo Pérez
For those that are not familiar with the platform: Typeform is an online form builder that provides a nimble, fast and sexy way to ask questions to your users, customers and peers on any device. Should you end up joining Team Typeform, you’ll get to become buddies with this heterochromatic pup.
Photo: Stefy Gutovska
Qobuz strives to become your favorite digital music store by offering both unlimited streaming subscriptions and high quality downloads, plus an online music magazine. If you want to experience a true startup spirit, check these folks out. Especially this little lady.
Floorplanner. Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Photo: Eduardo Martin
Floorplanner is the easiest (and best-looking) way to create and share interactive floor plans online. Not only is the Floorplanner team fun and creative, but it’s also full of young, innovative characters who aren’t shy to take risks and work hard to play hard.
Photo: Stefy Gutovska
The Holidog team is a bunch of avid pet lovers and owners with a passion for travel and adventure. This startup team is home to five different nationalities and not just one but three adorably fluffy team members to play with!
Now that you’ve been introduced to these adorable startup pets, visit TNW Jobs to check out the rest of the teams at these companies. Who knows, you might be make a new furry friend.
If you’re part of a startup looking to expand your crew, take advantage and post your vacancies here.
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.