Ask HN: What makes a startup a great place for designers?

I hope this question isn't too vague but it's something I've been thinking about lately. I often hear frustrations from designer friends about how their creativity and talents aren't fully utilized at the places they're working, how design isn't valued at the startups they're at, how they're under-appreciated, how they're not put in a position to grow as a designer and see no long-term future there, etc. Then I see places like Square, Pinterest, and Gowalla (rip).. and I wonder.. Are they doing anything differently? Is there something about the culture there or something about the structure that lets them attract great designers that at least from the outside seem to be doing great things?<p>I should preface this: I'm a developer.. but I definitely appreciate good design when I see it.