Handshake Embraces New Direction with ‘Refounding’ Approach

Handshake, one of the most successful technology sector startups in recent years, is facing an existential crisis. The company will need to pivot its business model and sharpen its focus on creating a great product to succeed. Howie Liu, co-founder and CEO of Handshake, recently announced that the company’s latest changes reflect a commitment to innovate rather than simply adjust existing frameworks. This initiative coincides with a shift towards a more intensive work culture, requiring employees to return to the office five days a week.

Handshake is committed to a thoughtful evolution. Framing these changes in the context of “the good old-fashioned way” underscores this intent. Liu made it clear that the stakes sometimes seem just as high as when the venture-backed company first started. He stated, “Instead of just adding more A.I. capabilities to our existing platform, we treated this as a refounding moment for the company.”

Handshake’s chief marketing officer, Katherine Kelly, elaborated on the company’s vision, expressing an intention to revive startup culture within an established business environment. She noted that the office’s new work style is focused on promoting efficiency while being more in line with corporate business objectives. “Operating with a pace and number of hours that is meaningful and will help us hit goals,” Kelly remarked.

While Handshake thought about branding these changes as a ‘relaunch’ or ‘transformation,’ Liu decided on the term “refounding.” We believe this decision should send a strong signal that a new day has arrived. Simultaneously, it’s an honor to the core tenets that first inspired the creation of Handshake. Liu was quick to emphasize that this change marks no such pivot. Rather, it’s a strategic approach to fuel economic expansion and ignite new technological development.

Handshake has required that all employees go back to the office full-time. This requirement encourages an ecosystem that fosters collaboration and speeds up moving in the direction of reaching company goals.