Starflow DNA
Hi there 👋🏼
You're about to start an important journey - deciding if Starflow is the right place for you, and equally, if you’re the right fit for them.
The intention of this report is simple: to offer you an honest and transparent insight into what makes Starflow unique - their DNA. Maybe you’ll find that Starflow feels like home, or maybe it won’t - and that’s okay. The goal is to help you make the right choice, whatever that may be.
We hope this report provides you with the insights you need as you decide if Starflow is where you want to contribute, grow, and make an impact. Happy exploring!
Meet the Starflow team
Before we dive into the culture, we want you to meet the team!
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Nikolai Konopelko
Co-founder & Principal electronics engineer
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Jonas Helmikstøl
Co-founder & CEO
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Ola Stengel
Co-founder & CTO
The core
🚀 Our purpose
We’re on a mission to transform the way people interact with energy - whether in homes or in industries - and reshape the future of energy management.
Picture a world where your energy system anticipates your needs, seamlessly integrates with solar panels, batteries, and other systems, and even lets you share excess energy with your neighbors. This is the future we’re building - a future we call energy perfection and where energy flows freely, smartly, and sustainably.
❤️ Our values
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Being bold isn't just about taking risks - it's about believing in a different future and having the courage to make it happen. For us it means that we're always reaching higher, but we do it with intention and while taking calculated steps towards something bigger and better.
Its about not being afraid to step outside the norm, even if it means making tough decisions or standing out from the crowd. We´ re not doing things differently just for the sake of it - we’re doing it because we believe there's a better way. We push each other to be ambitious, to try new things and to keep learning, even when it's uncomfortable.
Mistakes don't scare us, they teach us something. We don't shy away from challenges and we don't give up on small victories - we celebrate them and keep climbing.
Feedback is part of our DNA; we seek it out and grow from it, because we realise that's how we stay grounded and keep moving forward.
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We do the right thing because it's the right thing, not because we're asked to, and we do it whether anyone is looking at us or not. Integrity for us means that we care about the impact of our actions, that we hold ourselves to a high standard and that we follow through on what we set out to do - together.
We believe in freedom, but we also understand that true freedom comes with responsibility. We own our actions and we make sure that what we commit to is done - unless we find a better way to do it. And when we do, we're honest about it. We communicate openly with each other, because it's by being honest and transparent that we build trust.
We're not just here to tick boxes or look good on paper. We focus on doing what's right for the people we work with, the planet we live on, and the mission we're committed to.
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We don't pretend to have all the answers, but we are driven to find them. Admitting ‘I don't know’ isn't a sign of weakness - it's a starting point for discovery. We're constantly exploring new ways to solve problems, and we're not afraid to question the status quo if it means finding a better way forward.
Truth isn't just about being honest with others - it's also about being honest with ourselves. We don't hide behind nice words or avoid tough conversations. We speak the truth, even when it's hard, but we do it with kindness, empathy and a genuine desire to help each other grow.
📜 Our principles
The intention of our principles is to set a healthy framework with clear boundaries and expectations for the team. This allows for sustainable behaviour, personal growth, and a high level of autonomy.
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1. Everyone shall know and understand the company’s vision, mission, and values, and adhere to them. They are our foundation and lead our decision-making.
2. The intention with the company is to realize the product vision and to bring products to life in a way we can be proud of, as a team.
3. The company’s results are based on a team effort. No one is more important than the team and everyone has the responsibility to take care of each other and things that aren’t working properly. You either fix the problem or find and support someone who can.
4. Everyone shall strive to continuously grow and learn, and encourage those around them to do the same.
5. We are here to have fun and to feel safe while we create value for our customers.
6. When we have agreed on a direction and when a decision is made, it is expected that everyone commit to it, until agreed otherwise. Even if you disagree with the decision.
7. People are expected to be loyal, not obedient. If you disagree, say why in the most constructive way possible, assume that people have the best intentions, and propose an alternative solution / way forward.
8. There shall always be a responsible person behind each task, initiative, decision, investment, project etc. - No excuse.
9. We are expected to think and to sleep on things before making important decisions.
10. There should always be a minimum of two and optimally three alternatives to an important decision/solution, and we shall always be prepared to pull out, at any moment.
11. Making the wrong decision is usually better than no decision, but does not give anyone the excuse to not think, sparr, and plan properly. Or not to learn from their mistakes.
12. Hiring and onboarding are the most important processes in the company. Take your time and do them right. You won’t regret it. If it isn’t a hell yes, it’s a hell no.
13. All roles in the company are dynamic and can change according to the company’s best interest, needs, and growth.
14. Leaders are servants and responsible for their own and their team’s safety, well being, and performance. As well as the direction of the team, what’s expected of them, and to inspire them towards their goals.
15. Individuals are responsible to seek understanding of their place in the big picture and how they contribute to the team and company’s success.
16. Each person is accountable to make sure their heart and mind are fully in, and that they are performing at their ability and ambitions. This includes knowing the importance of rest and recovery, and of saying no.
17. Kind truths. Feedback is to be given with empathy and directly to whom it applies to.
18. Trust, but verify. People will be given freedom within a healthy framework where trust, responsibility, and accountability go hand in hand.
19. Being effective is more important than being right or than the hours spent. Less is more. Quality before quantity.
20. Safety doesn’t mean comfort. We go all in and we put our hearts into everything we do. Going big, or staying home.
⚖️ Top cultural priorities
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Teamwork > speed
We believe that true success isn’t just about moving fast - it’s about moving forward together. By working side by side, we don’t just find quick fixes - we craft thoughtful, groundbreaking solutions that stand the test of time. Together, we build something far greater than we ever could alone.
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Finding the best solution > your own idea
It’s never about whose idea takes the spotlight - it’s about finding the best solution. We leave the ego at the door, knowing that real innovation comes from combining our strengths and insights. We focus on what truly matters - creating solutions that move us closer to our shared vision, no matter where or who the idea comes from.
👏🏼 What behaviour do we reward?
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Saying "I dont know"
We believe that admitting and saying “I don’t know” shows strength and the desire to grow., learn and thrive. When someone says, “I don’t know,” it’s never a dead-end - it’s an invitation to explore something new.
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Sharing ideas openly
Every idea, no matter how raw or undeveloped, holds the potential to inspire something extraordinary. We don’t wait for perfect solutions; we value the boldness of sharing what’s on your mind openly with the rest of the team.
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Bringing passion to the table
We believe that people who truly love what they do are the ones who become experts in their field. Passion drives curiosity, pushes you to refine your skills, and motivates you to constantly improve.
🙅🏽♀️ What behaviour dont we tolerate?
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Taking credit for others ideas
When you take someone else’s work and call it your own, you’re not just stealing credit - you’re robbing the team of the trust and integrity thats in the core of our culture. We don’t tolerate it because it goes against everything we stand for. We succeed together, and we celebrate together.
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Hiding problems
We dont tolerate the act of hiding problems because it blocks the solutions we could be working on together. We believe that when you bring problems to the surface, you invite the whole team to help solve them. We value the boldness of saying, “Here’s what’s not working,” because it’s the first step toward fixing it.
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Playing politics
Politics create walls where there should be bridges, and we dont tolerate any behavior that divides the team or creates hidden agendas. We value open, honest conversations where everyone’s voice matters. When someone plays politics, they’re undermining the trust and teamwork that are at the core of our culture.
The emotional culture
🛡️ How do we make people feel safe?
We make people feel safe by building trust, including everyone, prioritising getting to know the whole person and by encouraging people to share their thoughts and ideas - even the unconventional ones.
This is because we know that the best ideas often come from the most unexpected places. And here, no one is laughed at for their contributions - all ideas are treated with respect and curiosity.
💬 How do we help each other learn and grow?
For us feedback is an act of helping each other. It shows we care enough to invest in each other’s growth. We don’t wait for formal reviews - feedback flows continuously, empowering us to make real-time adjustments and spot blindspots that we might miss on our own.
We embrace feedback in all directions - whether it’s from a team member, a leader, or someone just starting - because we know that great ideas and insights can come from anywhere.
Timing and thoughtfulness matter, and we don’t just throw out comments; we take the time to consider how and when to give feedback so it truly helps the person receiving it.
🥳 How do we celebrate our people, culture and work?
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Demo days
Demo days are dedicated sessions where the whole team comes together to brainstorm and share ideas. These meetups give everyone, no matter their role, the chance to pitch ideas, propose improvements, and engage in open feedback.
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Celebrating wins
We don’t wait for the "big wins" to celebrate but we make a point to acknowledge even the small victories along the way. Whether it’s finding a new solution, hitting a project milestone, or recruiting new team members.
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Recognizing expertise
We prioritize recognizing the unique skills and expertise within our team. Whether it happens during daily operations or when celebrating achievements, we ensure that individuals who make significant contributions are acknowledged.
The functional culture
✅ How do we make decisions?
Decisions at Starflow are never made alone. We gather input from the people closest to the issue, and everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns. If there’s disagreement, we discuss it openly and work together to find the best solution. Once a decision is made, we expect everyone to commit fully and move forward as one team.
We don’t rush important decisions. We take the time to think things through, ensure we have multiple options, and always pause to reflect before making the final call. And if things don’t go as planned? We adapt, learn, and come back stronger.
Each decision has a person responsible for making sure it gets done, ensuring follow-through and avoiding any tasks being left behind.
📅 How do we collaborate and do meetings?
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All meetings should give value
If they don’t, we rethink how to use that time. Everyone comes prepared, knowing the meeting’s goal and how their input helps achieve it. Each meeting has a designated owner who handles the agenda, ensures focus, and tracks follow-up actions.
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Weekly alignment meeting
Each week, we dedicate time to alignment. This keeps everyone on the same page, ensuring we all know what’s happening, what’s expected, and how we’re progressing toward our goals.
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Meetings should not last one hour
We keep meetings short and to the point. Every meeting has a clear purpose, and we make sure it's focused on moving things forward rather than just filling the hour.
🎯 What we expect of you
Our culture thrives on trust, autonomy, and a shared understanding of what’s expected. We know when to take the lead and make independent decisions, and when to follow guidance from others or leadership. Whether it’s decision-making, collaboration, or day-to-day work, we expect everyone to follow the principles that guide our company.
We ask everyone to act with integrity, think carefully about their choices, and always consider what’s best for the company, the team, and our mission. When challenges arise, we encourage you to trust your judgment, knowing you have the freedom to make the right choice. A freedom that comes with responsibility to own both successes and setbacks, and to learn from every outcome.
Any questions to this?
Then please don´t hesitate to reach out to me.
