Categories: Startup

By Carlos Diaz, Founder of Talento

Amazon had it right with their two pizza team rule. But it goes deeper than size. It’s about designing teams that can operate independently but remain aligned with the mission.

Team Topologies gives us four team types and three interaction modes. For startups, the gold is in stream aligned teams. These teams are closest to the customer and can deliver value without handoffs. That means faster feedback, fewer blockers, and more ownership.

When you’re scaling, resist the urge to add layers. Add clarity instead. Use enabling teams to unblock, platform teams to accelerate, and guardrails to keep your autonomy from becoming chaos.

And don’t overlook the human side of team design. Autonomy doesn’t mean isolation. Healthy collaboration and psychological safety are critical. Make sure your teams are supported not just technically, but emotionally too. People do their best work when they feel trusted and empowered.

Hiring for team fit isn’t just about culture. It’s about capability. Can they thrive in a team that owns a slice of the value stream? That’s your bar. And if you get this right, scaling becomes far less painful.