Philo Company Culture & Values

Collaboration at Philo is built into everything we do. We operate in small, cross-functional teams, what we call "goal-based teams" which are made up of engineers, product managers, designers, and sometimes specialists from advertising or data science. These pods own features end-to-end, from ideation and planning through build, launch, and iteration. Because teams are small and nimble, you're not just a cog in the machine, you're a key voice in shaping the product.

Cross-Functional by Design: Engineers don't just get handed specs and disappear into their code editors. They're actively involved in product discussions, design reviews, and strategic planning. Product managers and designers work side-by-side with engineers throughout the development process, ensuring alignment and avoiding the dreaded "throw it over the wall" dynamic. This setup means faster decision-making, tighter feedback loops, and better outcomes.

Transparency & Communication: We prioritize open communication and transparency across the company. Teams use tools like Slack, Confluence, and shared documentation to keep everyone aligned and informed. Major decisions are discussed collaboratively, and everyone regardless of level is encouraged to share their perspective. We also hold weekly all-hands meetings where leadership shares updates, celebrates wins, and keeps the team connected to the bigger picture.

Distributed but Connected: With offices in San Francisco, New York, and Cambridge, plus remote team members across the country, we're intentional about staying connected. We lean heavily on video calls, async communication, and documentation to ensure no one is left out of the loop. And our Gathering Weeks bring the entire company together several times a year for in-person collaboration, team-building, and strategic planning ensuring that even our remote teammates feel like part of the core team.

Ownership & Autonomy: At Philo, collaboration doesn't mean design-by-committee. We trust people to own their work and make decisions. Teams have the autonomy to move quickly, experiment, and iterate without getting bogged down in endless approvals. That said, we also encourage healthy debate, disagreeing and committing is part of our DNA. If you have a strong opinion, we want to hear it, but once a decision is made, we move forward together.

Knowledge Sharing: We believe in lifting each other up. Engineers give tech talks, share learnings from side projects, and document their work so the whole team benefits. Whether it's championing a new framework like Jetpack Compose or running a post-mortem on a tough bug, knowledge sharing is baked into how we operate. We grow together, not in silos.

At Philo, collaboration isn't a buzzword, it's how we build great products and create an environment where everyone can do their best work

At Philo, recognition isn't just about annual reviews or formal awards, it's woven into our everyday culture. We believe in celebrating wins, big and small, and making sure people know their contributions matter.

Direct and Immediate Feedback: Because we operate in small, cross-functional teams, the impact of your work is visible and immediate. When you ship a feature, improve performance, or solve a tough problem, your team sees it, your manager acknowledges it, and the company benefits from it in real time. Recognition happens organically through shoutouts in team meetings, Slack kudos, and direct appreciation from colleagues and leadership.

Ownership and Visibility: At Philo, you're not just a name in a massive org chart, you own meaningful work that directly impacts the product and our users. That ownership itself is a form of recognition. When something you built launches, it's yours. When a feature performs well or solves a real customer problem, that success is tied directly to you. Leadership knows who's driving what, and your contributions don't get lost in the noise.

Growth and Development: We recognize strong performance through career advancement and professional development opportunities. Promotions happen when people demonstrate impact and growth, not just tenure. We invest in our team through access to learning resources, support for skill-building, and opportunities to take on stretch projects that challenge and develop you. If you're doing great work and want to grow, we'll create pathways for that.

Peer Recognition: Some of the most meaningful recognition comes from your teammates. Whether it's a public thank-you in Slack, a callout during an all-hands meeting, or simply hearing "great work" from someone you respect, peer recognition is a huge part of our culture. We celebrate each other's wins and support each other through challenges.

Company-Wide Celebrations: During our all-hands meetings and Gathering Weeks, we take time to highlight major accomplishments, product launches, and individual contributions. These moments give everyone visibility into what's happening across the company and create space to celebrate the people making it happen.

Compensation and Equity: We also recognize great work through competitive compensation, performance-based raises, and equity. We want our team to share in Philo's success, and we're intentional about making sure compensation reflects the value people bring.

At Philo, recognition isn't a formal program with plaques and certificates, it's a culture where your work is seen, your impact is felt, and your contributions are valued every single day.