Pros
I was interviewing with Xola and a well known start-up, that was much further along in their existence and growth (than Xola), at the same time. In my interviews with Xola I encountered more personal people, asking extensive questions that came across more "real" than the other well known startup. The well known startup also told me the work life balance was tolerable because they would be going public soon and everyone wants to help the company get there and get rich doing it... Choosing Xola was the best choice I've made in my professional career. I waited to leave this review after getting about 6 months at the company under my belt (I was forced to leave a review at my last job in week 2 - not cool). The employees at Xola are smart, thoughtful people that have been great to work side by side with day in, day out. I've learned a ton about structure in startup life and processes. Xola is full of "doers" and have I mentioned smart people? The CEO is accessible and personable which is NOT a common trait of a silicon valley startup CEO. Overall people are fun and hard working, management is helpful understanding and the company allows for a work-life balance. I'm also very excited about our Houston offices opening, I love the leadership being put in place there. I know I won't be in that office but I look forward to visiting and working with that division.
Cons
Like any company there are some interesting personalities that I believe not every person can, or does, mesh with (one person could easily be me for all I know). There is a small trust issue within the company about sensitive information, this would be understandable except that it teeters the line of 'condescending' when you're not allowed access everywhere for months because of paranoia. Paranoia is a slight motif that upper management could stand to relax on. I don't want my "pro" comments to reflect our office in India because my opinions are limited to the leadership there and it's employees and I haven't had enough good communication to be able to claim that their office is the same.