From tackling high-stakes security challenges in the IDF’s elite cyber-defense unit to scaling Aqua Security to a global unicorn, I now serve as CTO at Team8, leading research, ideation, and strategy to support our portfolio companies in tackling key cybersecurity challenges. From these experiences, I’ve learnt how to scale engineering teams and how often this technical endeavour is more of an art than a science.
In this blog, I’ll discuss four key factors that I’ve found essential for effectively scaling engineering teams from the seed stages to the late stages. As startups progress from seed to late stage, the demands on their engineering teams shift dramatically. Scaling isn’t just about adding more people; it’s about structuring teams and processes to ensure resilience, flexibility, and quality as the company grows. Here are four key factors to consider for effective engineering team scaling:
- Build with Compliance from Day One
When building enterprise software, regulatory compliance can be the make-or-break factor for securing large contracts, especially with government and heavily regulated industries. Start with technologies that align with regulatory standards from the outset. Choosing compliant tech early on, like FedRAMP for the U.S. government market, can save significant refactoring and adjustment efforts later. Even if these regulations aren’t immediately relevant, having a compliant foundation ensures you’re ready when they become essential. This approach doesn’t just save time and resources; it keeps doors open to enterprise clients down the line.
- Invest in Automation and a Robust Infrastructure
To move quickly in a startup environment, automation is essential. It’s an investment that pays off as you pivot and adjust to market needs. Implementing a robust software development lifecycle (SDLC) with automation allows for fast onboarding and reduces friction in pushing updates to production. Building automation from the start means shorter feedback loops, continuous testing, and easier iterations. The result is that new engineers can contribute to production code quickly and confidently, without the fear of disrupting the system. As you scale from a five-person team to fifty, automation and a strong SDLC allow your teams to move swiftly while maintaining quality, which is critical for growth.
- Develop a Customer-Obsessed Engineering Culture
A key differentiator for high-performing teams is their connection to the customer and the value their work provides. When engineers see how their code impacts customers, they take greater ownership and invest in the quality of their work. Creating this connection starts by involving engineers in customer discussions, bringing them into product roadmap planning, and implementing telemetry tools that give them insights into how customers use the product. Engineers who are deeply invested in customer value are more likely to innovate and respond proactively to issues, driving both product and company success.
- Create Small, Self-Sufficient Teams (‘Squads’)
Structuring your teams as small, autonomous “squads” with minimal dependencies allows for faster delivery and greater agility. Each squad should be self-sufficient, with all the resources needed to develop, test, and deploy features independently. This autonomy empowers teams to work quickly, adapt to changes, and reduce bottlenecks, keeping the organization nimble. Good leadership plays a crucial role here. Leaders who understand both the technical and strategic sides can guide teams effectively, attract top talent, and foster a culture where engineers feel empowered and supported. Invest in leaders who not only have experience scaling teams but are also committed to nurturing talent within the organization.
Conclusion
Scaling engineering teams is about laying the right foundations: choosing compliant tech, investing in automation, building a customer-centric culture, and structuring teams to work independently. These steps aren’t just about handling more headcount; they’re about creating a framework for sustained growth and innovation. For startups on the journey from seed to late stage, these factors are vital for building teams that don’t just scale but thrive.
