Chaos Labs: How We Work

The most interesting problems don't come with instruction manuals.

When we started Chaos Labs three years ago, DeFi was just taking shape. To build something that actually worked, you had to have a new combination of skills – financial engineering, smart contracts, security, distributed systems, and more. No one had the full stack. Still, we dove in headfirst, willing to be wrong as we figured things out.

Everyone talks about "first principles thinking" – but actually doing it can be painful. It means admitting what you don't know and challenging conventional wisdom. You have to be ready to pivot fast, and kill things that aren’t working. This isn't the easiest way to build a product or a business. Still, it has enabled Chaos to grow from 0 to managing hundreds of billions in on-chain value.

So, what does this way of working actually look like? Sometimes, folks who join Chaos are surprised by how we operate – even those who come from other fast-paced, no-BS environments. As we kick off 2025, it feels like the right time to write down what defines our culture, and the specific practices that have driven our success.

No BS
Clear, direct communication is our baseline. We have no patience for stories or politics. What matters is the output of your work, not the narrative around it.

Code > Talk
We're an engineering-led company, period. I'm one of our most active code contributors. Technical excellence drives every decision we make. Everything else is secondary.

Hire Slowly, Let Go Decisively
We take time to find the right candidate, and are deliberate about every hire. When it's not a fit, we act quickly. Growing slower is better than compromising on quality.

Results Over Reputation
Some of our best builders were overlooked at larger companies - quiet executors whose managers would take credit for their work.

Here, there's nowhere to hide. Results speak louder than storytelling.

True First Principles
We don't try to force known solutions onto new problems. Every single challenge deserves fresh eyes, and a willingness to look stupid while we're figuring things out.

Time is Sacred
We have as few meetings as possible. When we do meet, every session needs an agenda and clear objectives. Want to brainstorm? Do it in a 1:1.

We're not here to fill calendars. We're here to build.

Solutions Not Excuses
I have an allergic reaction to the phrase "we can't do this." Either figure things out or propose an alternative. Having challenges is fine. Giving up isn't.

Why This Matters
In 3 years, we went from 0 to managing hundreds of billions in on-chain value. Not through fancy pitch decks, shitposting or advertising.

Through relentless execution and an uncompromising culture. When we consistently exhibit the qualities above, we tend to win in the marketplace.

If you want to be at the forefront of derisking crypto for massive financial adoption--and would thrive in a no BS culture that celebrates excellence--we are always hiring.