Pros
I loved working at SpareFoot because I was constantly surrounded by people that challenged me to learn and grow. I was encouraged to speak my opinions and those impacted the direction of the company. It's a bit of a cliche perk at startups - the ability to 'move quickly and make a difference'. What sets SpareFoot apart is that you are encouraged to make an impact but you're also surrounded by leaders with knowledge and experience. It's not the blind leading the blind which a lot of startups consist of. SpareFoot has seen a lot of success but they have also seen a lot of challenges. Where they have stayed consistent is the investment they make in their people. The leaders in the company are often times the first ones in the office and the last ones to leave, yet they also respect and encourage a work/life balance. It's a unique combination and one I was grateful to experience. If you're choosing between startups in Austin, I would choose one with a strong team, excellent people, and a lot of heart. You'll find that here. If you're looking for something structured, boring or easy...keep googling.
Cons
With any startup, they naturally hang on to some people a bit longer than they should. I would imagine some of those people are writing the scathing, bitter reviews you read on here. The company isn't perfect, I have yet to find one that is.