Intellectual Ventures Employee Reviews about "iv"

Pros

There are tons of smart people that work at IV, and it is a dynamic environment There are areas of the company that are successful and good places to work, some areas the business model is not working (making it harder to generalize) If you've been there over 3 years the salary and long tern comp can be good

Cons

The leadership struggles to provide clear direction (communication is poor) and collaboration across business units is difficult to non-existent

Pros

Working with the brilliant people that are attracted to work at IV

Cons

perception outsiders have of the company

Pros

IV has some of the best talent and smartest people to work for. I had the ability to work on some of the best projects that allowed me to grow.

Cons

Sometimes it is difficult to get things done. There is a layer of middle management that doesn't get it. They sometime get in the way of the process.

Pros

Compensation is excellent as is the work/life balance. People come and go as they please; no micromanaging. Expectations are high which can be good or bad depending on your self confidence and sense of independence. IV loves its high performers so you can go far if you have the smarts, the right attitude and are willing to work hard and chart your own course.

Cons

The culture is very political if you want to get ahead. There is a complete absence of leadership in Finance (despite having 2 CFOs!) While my coworkers are good people they generally stay to themselves. There is no 'team' feel. It is fairly unfriendly and 'cold'. In fact, I leave at the end of the day completely drained....not because of long hours....but because of a feeling of mistrust. I wouldn't recommend IV unless you have thick skin, are ok with office politics, and the conflict that will occasionally erupt amongst senior management. Not a culture that brings out the best in people.

Pros

The leadership team has changed quite a bit during my years at IV. What has not changed is the continued support and flexibility I have to do my job, take on new projects and learn new things. The company has introduced new programs that can be attended in person or virtually. Most people have roles that don't require being on site every day. I appreciate IV’s culture more than the larger technology companies at which I worked previously.

Cons

Smaller companies don't typically have the same long term career opportunities as working at a larger company.

Pros

My management chain assumes competence in my abilities, supports my decisions, work style & schedule. I am not micromanaged and I really appreciate the freedom I have to execute my responsibilities in a way that I feel will work best. I joined a women's mentoring circle in my first month and had the opportunity to get to know women from across IV in all levels of management (VP to associates)-from R&D, Legal, Finance, HR etc. That ongoing and supportive group helped my onboarding process immensely. I love attending the frequent employee info sharing sessions where I can learn about some of the different research and inventions as well. Last week I attended a great session where I learned about the device the Lab is developing which rapid diagnoses cervical cancer in low resource settings and later that day I was in the Lab talking to interns working on assays that rapid diagnose malaria. There's work happening at IV that can really impact lives-1st world and developing world. I love that they take big risks (like TerraPower) that have huge potential impacts across entire sectors. I've worked in the high tech industry (MSFT) for most of my career and IV feels nimble, exciting, stable, quirky and impactful.

Cons

When you work in a smaller company where you have many personal relationships, there are upsides and downsides. Having those relationships can help make things happen but it can sometimes hinder progress as well.

Pros

I feel that the finance department has clear goals. We are given the necessary resources and freedom to work toward those goals. We are a very collaborative group who willingly solve problems together. Our executive leadership is transparent to the extent they are able regarding expectations, performance, achievements, failures and future aspirations. We are always looking at long term solutions that all groups can integrate with. We are a dynamic business with complex business practices. This keeps things interesting and exciting, especially when a finance job typically becomes stale and boring. IV compensates fairly, work / life balance is appropriate and benefits are competitive.

Cons

People outside of IV seem to form opinions of our business model quickly. I remind those that we are in the business of world changing innovation. If we do not protect our inventors ideas, then we are at risk of losing some of the most brilliant, innovative people in the world.

Pros

Excellent opportunity to learn and work with talented and smart individuals. I enjoyed the environment which stressed team work and everyone pitching in to meet a goal.

Cons

IV lacks a middle tier for individuals who want to grow in their career, there is no opportunity for advancement.

Pros

Over my four years at IV I've had the opportunity to play in multiple spaces and take on new roles/ responsibilities. I'm challenged to think about things differently and deliver solutions that meet the needs of our employees, customers and investors. IV is definitely a place for self-motivated individuals who want to have a lasting impact. People that are intellectually curious, driven and courageous can be incredibly successful and re-write their career here at IV.

Cons

Limited internal communication about IV's evolving business strategy etc. The building I sit in happens to be mostly offices (which can be considered a perk for some) but does not have any collaborative spaces. It would be great if our space matched the culture of innovation we foster.

Pros

IV is pioneering a new asset class and business model, so there is no well trodden path to simply follow what others have already done. This creates massive opportunity, but one needs to be a 'go getter' and accept that things will fail from time to time which is at the essence of invention itself. However, the type of person that succeeds is one that is strong willed, inventive, persistent and can collaboratively work with others and clearly understand the strategy and translate that into tactical deliverables. From the leadership down everyone is hard working so don't expect to coast along ... its not that kind of place ... Also people who do well are those that grab responsibility and lead rather than being told what to do. The Finance management do a great job at keeping that balance which promotes opportunity to succeed. I can't think of a more invigorating and challenging place to work ...

Cons

IV is not as competitive "pay-wise" as the street so many good people have been poached. It's traditionally spread the compensation more broadly at year end, than being targeted to those that really make a difference and will commit to the long term. Given the state patent market, its feeling a little bit vulnerable now, but its poised to re-bound.