I don't see how this question can be meaningfully answered as it's currently phrased. One person's "good place" is another's hellhole. Culture matters, and plenty of top tier companies and institutions have mutually incompatible cultures. Likewise, "startups" are not some homogeneous group. There can be an absolute mind boggling amount of variance between them.
To me, a much more addressable question would be something like "what is FB's culture like?" or "how much freedom do engineers get to pursue their interests?". Be specific, or expect shitty responses.
As of right now this question is sitting at 40 upvotes and literally not a single germane answer. There's clearly some interest here, but someone should clarify exactly what it is they want to know.
It helps, but I honestly still think the use of terms like "better" and "too large" are inherently vague.
Maybe it would be helpful to provide a contrast. Are you trying to pick between FB and Google? FB and Palantir? FB and a research lab? FB and Uber? FB and [insert startup here]?
To me, a much more addressable question would be something like "what is FB's culture like?" or "how much freedom do engineers get to pursue their interests?". Be specific, or expect shitty responses.
As of right now this question is sitting at 40 upvotes and literally not a single germane answer. There's clearly some interest here, but someone should clarify exactly what it is they want to know.