Tools & Data

Average Startup Employee Tenure

How long do individuals typically stay at a startup? Now you know!

DataFoundations1 min readBy Kris BarneyUpdated May 29, 2026

Employee Startup Tenure (By Company Size)

The data team at Carta has unique insight to the VC/pre-IPO market, and occasionally publishes some helpful data. A recent publication of theirs that we found particularly insightful (how long do individuals typically stay at a startup) is provided below. As you plan your next career step, understanding the market averages (and possibly some of the reasons behind why) may be helpful as you search for a new employer.

StartupTenure Img1

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Back to AcademyUpdated May 29, 2026