SurveyMonkey's CEO showed us around the new London HQ and told us what it takes to work there
SurveyMonkey is valued at $2 billion (£1.3 billion). It has nearly 700 employees and its latest push for expansion is in Britain.
The group opened its new HQ in August this year on the 15th floor of the Heron Tower and is planning to massively broaden out its political research capabilities after it was the only survey or poll company that successfully predicted the outcome of the 2015 UK general election.
SurveyMonkey's CEO Bill Veghte told us: "In reality, when you saw what we did during the UK elections, it demonstrate what an incredible technology platform we have and what opportunities this could present to individuals, politicians, and businesses ."
"We want to show people that it's a good investment as the UK is under penetrated. It's great for individuals, financial services, and for huge companies. It's a great way to do brand tracking and concept testing. While I am pleased for our progress in the UK, it whets my appetite for so much more for businesses and individuals," added Veghte.
The UK arm only has 10 employees at the moment but Veghte says the HQ is primed to take on a huge amount of new staff.
If you're looking to get a job at SurveyMonkey, Veghte highlighted how being a real team player, friendly and an "intellect athlete" are important. Above all, he says you have to be a cultural fit. "We are not mano a mano here," he said.
He added that the group looks for "bright, intelligent, and curious" individuals – regardless of background. Veghte insisted that they can be trained in the business side later on.
When Business Insider spoke to Veghte, it was clear that carrying on the legacy of the former CEO David Goldberg – who tragically died at the age of 40 in May – was entrenched in his leadership transition. Inspirational quotes are scribed on the wall – including one from Goldberg.
"Dave was a close friend of mine and part of the journey [as SurveyMonkey's CEO] was making sure that was a mantle I could carry and his value systems were the same as mine. It is – to care about employees, to create a durable business, and be part of a role that impacts and disrupts technology," said Veghte. Here employees get to relax in a lounge which was soft couches and a Playstation and TV.
The eating areas are sleek and modern and very bright.
Snacks are provided free of charge and arranged on a several tiered shelf in the kitchen.
Non-alcoholic drinks are also available to all staff and a pool table is there for employees to unwind.
The smaller breakout or meeting rooms are all named after nerdy pop culture – including this one from Harry Potter.
While some are suitably British. (Baldrick is a key character in the classic British TV show Black Adder).
But if you're meeting with some high level clients, expect to take them to a replica of an old English parlour. It's fully kitted out with fine whiskies and gin.
And plush leather couches and soft lighting. "The thing is, our company is so interesting because we are a bundled solution that is self-service. We just need individuals within big company's that have a light bulb moment and use our product – that's what we're taking advantage of," said Veghte.
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