Why an Ex-Grindr Engineer Left Big Tech to Join Startup 10x Science

Andrew HunzekerHesed spent years building software for major platforms, including food delivery services, video streaming, and dating apps. Despite the visibility of these projects, he noticed that software development processes were becoming repetitive across the industry. Seeking a change, he connected with the founders of 10x Science, a startup focusing on artificial intelligence tools for scientific data analysis and drug discovery.

Joining an Early-Stage Startup

Unlike many technology companies that rely heavily on commercial artificial intelligence models, the startup focuses on first principles and efficient solutions. After completing a rigorous multi-day work trial, HunzekerHesed joined as the first employee. His first week involved building a custom solution for a major pharmaceutical company under a tight three-day deadline, a project that later became a core part of the company’s internal tooling.

Focusing on Discovery Over Scaling

For HunzekerHesed, joining an early-stage company offers a chance to help define the core product rather than just managing growth. His work has already led him beyond traditional software tasks, including contributing to projects presented at scientific symposiums and the American Chemical Society. He advises prospective startup workers to let go of their egos and embrace the rapid pace of small teams.