Are startups following Big Tech in the trend towards to "return-to-office"?
Depends greatly on where your startup is headquartered.
We looked through thousands of startups using Carta Total Compensation and split out hiring over time by quarter. The percentage in the chart below shows the % of hires that were out-of-state compared with company HQ.
As expected, everyone rode the remote wave in 2020 and 2021. Last year, the increase in remote hiring leveled off across all 5 of these key startup states.
Of course, in some places, the remote trend was never as strong as advertised. Texas startups in particular made fewer remote hires than NY and CA companies.
It's still pretty remarkable that over 50% of hiring in NY, WA, CA, and MA in Q4 2022 was out-of-state. I'm sure startups will try all sorts of hybrid experiments in the coming years, but full return-to-office seems unlikely to be adopted widely.
Check the comments for a link to our startup compensation newsletter (for all the comp curious folks in your life)
#cartadata #remotehiring #startups #hiring
DISCLOSURE: This communication is on behalf of eShares, Inc. dba Carta, Inc. ("Carta"). This communication is for informational purposes only, and contains general information only. Carta is not, by means of this communication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business or interests. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business or interests, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. This communication is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Carta does not assume any liability for reliance on the information provided herein. © 2026 Carta. All rights reserved. Reproduction prohibited.
