Pros: A good long-term product vision.

Cons: Normal pre-IPO and startup challenges are present.

Pros: Good pay for the wlb.

Cons: Private company, so less liquidity.

Pros: I've worked at several other companies including FAANG, and this is about as good as it gets. Minimal politics, tons of highly competent engineers, good collaboration dynamics and camaraderie, good technology, lots of smart investment in AI, generally solid management and excellent senior management in eng + CEO. It's the right level of structure without micromanagement, leading to excellent results: tons of meaningful product delivery that customers love. Solid comp too. Reasonable WLB - I tend to work ~40h pretty consistently.

Cons: Plaid intentionally runs lean, so it's common to not have enough engineers or cash to do things that you think should really be done. You just have to get used to that and realize you won't get in trouble for it. Pre-IPO, but at a stage where the IPO is probably in the near future, and there's always a risk that the company goes downhill culturally after the IPO, and a small risk that the IPO works out badly financially (though it's more likely that if you get in now you'll make the big bucks). No remote hiring - you must be in NYC or SF for most eng roles, which means missing out on lots of good people.