In the heart of the city’s burgeoning startup scene in downtown Boston lies the headquarters of Raizlabs, the developers behind the mobile apps of RunKeeper and Rue La La, among others. But while the company is known best for crafting beautifully designed apps for platforms like Android, iPad and iPhone, this startup’s spunky and high-spirited, yet goal-oriented culture practically demands recognition of its own.
Formerly housed in Coolidge Corner, the company expanded into its Milk Street space in December 2012 to meet the demands of its growing team of talented engineers, account managers and artists. From floor to ceiling, the office bears the mark of the techie creatives. Posters plastered around the space carry a vintage 1950s vibe and sport Raizlabs’ promises to customers. Meeting rooms are dubbed after the Star Wars movie series with names like Death Star, and employees’ desks are decorated to present personal flair. A couch faces a mounted flatscreen that, when a regular crew of employees needs a breather, often features Nintendo 64 games like Super Smash Brothers.
And then, of course, there is the long lost art of the prank, which Raizlabs’ team seems determined to bring back. Take some vacation days off – they’re unlimited – if you’d like, but be prepared to deal with something like the scene above on your first day back. (Yes, that is real sod on that desk, designed to look like a jungle.)
Simply put, Raizlabs is full of big-dreamers and innovative designers. A few months ago, the company splurged on a real Chinese gong, which it used to ring for each new client signed until the ear-splitting instrument was simply sounded too much for the team’s – but not their bottom line’s – liking. Further, each new client is brought into the office's Idea Room, in which they are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and go into creative mode with idea paint during brainstorming sessions.
What's more, to nurture the company’s growth internally in the New Year, each person has come up with a mega-reach goal to shoot for in the 2014. And you can bet that if and when an employee satisfies his or her goal that the gong will be rung, NERF guns will be fired and kegs will be tapped at this artistic and achievement-oriented company.
