This is yet another trend following startup employer who doesn't get it. Really good, seasoned talent wants personal freedom (or more money and equity), and having an 'awesome culture' doesn't have to do with that.
Culture baits are primarily for 20-somethings out of college who don't know better or have nothing better to do. An example of giving developers real freedom: Let them work remotely for n months out of the year.
Yet few will trust developers with real freedom, because it seems too dangerous to most SV startup employers... and there is certainly risk there... But baiting developers with video games, pub trips, and secret cinema is just an extension of constraining said developer's freedom. If they don't care about that freedom, they are either young, in a tough financial position, or aren't top talent.
Culture baits are primarily for 20-somethings out of college who don't know better or have nothing better to do. An example of giving developers real freedom: Let them work remotely for n months out of the year.
Yet few will trust developers with real freedom, because it seems too dangerous to most SV startup employers... and there is certainly risk there... But baiting developers with video games, pub trips, and secret cinema is just an extension of constraining said developer's freedom. If they don't care about that freedom, they are either young, in a tough financial position, or aren't top talent.