Interesting analysis but how many candidates would, for example, have access to high-level experts to answer questions? Still, I do like the idea and hope to never need to do it myself.
Candidates can find someone suitably qualified via Upwork or a similar platform. They don't need the absolute best expert in the field, just someone who's an expert relative to them.
great point! I don't think your average candidate would do this, but I guess this was an exercise in formulating what such a check could look like. it's overkill for sure, but I do think that accessing this type of info can be valuable.
though i'd say the questions I brainstormed in the bullets are the type candidates should definitely be asking during their interview process
Launch HN: Chekr (YC W25) – Because Your Employer Should Be More Nervous About You Than You Are About Them
Hello, HN community!
We're thrilled to introduce Chekr, a YC W25 startup that flips the traditional background check on its head. Instead of employers scrutinizing every detail of your past, Chekr empowers employees by deeply investigating potential employers. Our motto? "Because you can't diversify your labor portfolio, but you can certainly diversify your risk."
Why Chekr?
In today's job market, the power dynamic heavily favors employers. You're expected to provide references, undergo background checks, and sometimes even share your social media passwords. But what do you really know about the company that's about to consume one-third of your daily life? Chekr was born from a simple question: Why shouldn't employers be just as nervous about impressing you?
What We Do
Chekr conducts deep-dive investigations into companies to unearth everything a potential employee needs to know but wouldn’t dare ask:
- Financial Health: Is the company more financially stable than your last three relationships combined, or is it on the brink of asking you for a loan?
- Work Culture: Will you find a nurturing environment, or is it a gladiator arena with a "Best Employee of the Month" prize?
- Management: We profile leaders to predict whether your future boss will be a mentor or the reason you’ll need therapy.
- Office Quirks: Is the office dog-friendly, or does it have an "every man for himself" policy regarding the last cup of coffee?
- Hidden Perks: Beyond health insurance and vacation days, we uncover the stuff that really matters, like the quality of office snacks, abundance of Diet Coke and the likelihood of unscheduled "team-building" karaoke.
How It Works
1. Tell Us What Matters to You: Fill out a questionnaire that’s more detailed than most dating profiles.
2. Choose a Plan: From "Curious Cat" to "Full-On Stalker," we have a plan for every level of nosiness.
3. Receive Your Report: Get a comprehensive dossier on your potential employer, including a "Red Flag Index" and a "Thriving Score."
Beta Testimonials
"I thought I wanted to work for a startup until Chekr revealed the company was just a guy with a MacBook in his mom’s basement." – Sarah, San Francisco
"Thanks to Chekr, I discovered my dream company holds annual 'Survivor'-themed retreats. I accepted the job and started practicing my fire-making skills immediately." – Alex, New York
Join Us
Are you ready to take control of your employment future? Let Chekr be your guide. Sign up today, and let's start making employers sweat the small stuff—for once.
Remember, in the game of jobs, you either win, or you work in a cubicle. Choose wisely.
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Chekr is not responsible for any employers who, upon learning of our reports, decide to improve their workplaces out of sheer panic.
I thought by putting the YC class in Winter 2025 it would be obvious. Funny there is actually a checkr site that has a similar theme. Really I was too on the nose with this one
I saw it but glanced over as I'm not big into the accelerator part of things, and I was so intrigued by the rest of the writing. Then I googled, and there's a real company from YC doing exactly what you describe, and then my mind exploded! Fortunately, just a little bit, and I have since recovered with some help from the responses here.
unironically i can see an interesting biz model, pay $200 and get:
- financial report: does it make sense to join now, at this valuation? how much stock should you ask for? what's the market growth looking like?
- reference check past employees who worked there
- glassdoor review analysis (fake reviews? helpful reviews?)
- past layoffs?
- legal side / open lawsuits?
