Studio98 reviews

3.7

62% would recommend to a friend

(21 total reviews)

David Lively

100% approve of CEO

56% positive business outlook

Studio98 has an employee rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars, based on 21 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Studio98 employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Information Technology industry (3.9 stars).

Reviews by job title

21 reviews
3.0
Dec 7, 2025

Good learning and people, but questionable strategic decisions

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I had real learning opportunities here, including structured training like the “Black Belt AI” program, and I had some great mentors at Studio98. I definitely grew my skills and generally felt respected in my role, to the point that I was able to build a strong and valuable network for myself through previous colleagues at Studio98. I was never micromanaged, not for long periods, though. There were managers who came and went, where it felt like micromanagement for very brief periods, but I never experienced micromanagement as a company culture. However, I would stress that I didn't always agree with the directions that were taken over the years. Most of the staff I worked with were polite, professional, and genuinely good people. There were many teammates I truly respected. I appreciated the new CEO as a person. He comes across as someone who is genuinely trying to do the right thing. Former leadership also gave me a second chance when they had reasons not to, which I haven’t forgotten. The role was fully remote, which was a big plus for me and gave me flexibility in how I structured my workday. I did work EST hours in a different time zone, but those were the agreed hours. The pay, converted to my local currency, was operationally “okay,” and performance bonuses helped during stronger months.

Cons

Onboarding and getting fully comfortable with the systems, tools, and processes took a long time for several people. There is a lot to absorb, and the way information is structured doesn’t always make it easy for new hires to get up to speed quickly. Leadership implied that AI wouldn’t cost people their jobs, but within a short window several staff were let go. Officially, this was due to selling off certain divisions, but it still felt like a broken promise and highlighted how limited job security actually was. During my tenure, a major shift to using a third-party vendor for certain deliverables coincided, in my view, with a noticeable drop in service quality, which also added unnecessary confusion. Toward the end, there didn’t seem to be a clear, effective plan for where sales and marketing were going. There were attempts, but they didn’t stick, and the company wasn’t marketing itself effectively for long stretches. The company often paints a very optimistic picture of how AI and new initiatives will drive future growth. I'm not opposed to AI automations or AI consulting, but when the actual outcome is more restructuring than growth, it can create a disconnect that can make staff feel more managed by promises than by clear, grounded plans. I know some current staff may disagree with parts of this review. I spent years there and saw several rounds of restructuring, and that reality inevitably influences how I see the company.

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Studio98 Response
6mo
Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed review. We are happy to hear that you felt respected and supported during your time at Studio98, and that initiatives like the “Black Belt AI” program contributed to your professional growth. It is encouraging to know that our remote culture and the leadership team’s intentions left a positive impression on you. We also appreciate your candor regarding the challenges you faced during recent operational shifts. We are constantly working to refine our internal processes and strategic communication to ensure our team is set up for success. We value the time you spent with us and wish you the very best in your future endeavors.
3.0
Nov 24, 2025

Good but not the best

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexible time. Friendly - Family-like

Cons

Management and the way they make company decisions. even when Full-time, without warning they let staff go.

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Studio98 Response
6mo
Thank you for your feedback and for the years you dedicated to Studio98. We are glad to know that you valued the flexibility and the friendly, family-like atmosphere we strive to cultivate here. We also note your concerns regarding management decisions and recent staffing changes. While business needs sometimes require difficult transitions, we aim to navigate these shifts as thoughtfully as possible. We appreciate your recommendation and wish you success in your next steps.
5.0
Nov 11, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

From the day I started at Studio98, my life changed for the better. I’ve always felt supported, celebrated, and encouraged to bring new ideas to the table. Hard work and dedication never go unnoticed here, management truly recognizes effort and constantly encourages growth and development. What sets Studio98 apart is how much they invest in their people. The company offers ongoing training, learning opportunities, and even support to further your qualifications, something you don’t find everywhere. It’s clear they genuinely care about helping each person reach their full potential. One of the things I appreciate most is the trust. I’ve never felt micromanaged; instead, I’m empowered to take initiative and make an impact. The leadership team is incredible, genuinely the best bosses anyone could ask for! The pay is great, the culture is uplifting, and I love that I can work EST hours while still spending time with my kids and family during South African hours. Studio98 isn’t just a workplace… it’s a team that values people, progress, and purpose. Forever grateful to be part of this amazing company.

Cons

No cons to mention!!! only excitement for what’s ahead!

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Studio98 Response
6mo
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. We’re truly grateful to have you on the team and are thrilled to hear that your experience at Studio98 has been so positive. Our goal is to support growth, trust, and balance, and it’s wonderful to know that’s what you’re experiencing. Thank you for the impact you make every day!
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Glassdoor has 23 Studio98 reviews submitted anonymously by Studio98 employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Studio98 is right for you.