Countries and Cultures That Reflect Enneagram Types

Silicon Valley / Startups: Enneagram Type 3 Culture


Why we think the Silicon Valley / Startups is a Type 3 culture

  • Silicon Valley is a sub-culture of the US, which is itself a Type 3 culture as laid out here

  • "Hustle culture." The glorification of working long hours and the relentless pursuit of success are hallmarks of Silicon Valley's hustle culture.

  • "Move fast and break things." Originally a motto of Facebook, this phrase encapsulates the drive for rapid innovation and success, even at the risk of making mistakes.

  • The Unicorn. In startup culture, a "unicorn" is a privately held startup company valued at over $1 billion. The term symbolizes the ultimate achievement and status many (Type 3s) aspire to in the startup world.

  • "Fail fast, fail often." This mantra encourages embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, reflecting the focus on adaptability and a goal-oriented mindset.

  • The Garage Startup. The image of a tech company starting in a garage (e.g., Apple, Google) has become a symbol of humble beginnings leading to great success, aligning with the values of ambition and drive.

  • "Disruptive innovation." A term popularized in Silicon Valley, it refers to creating new markets and value networks that disrupt existing ones, showcasing a desire to be a trailblazer and achieve greatness.

  • "Pitch decks." The presentations used by startups to pitch their ideas to investors are a crucial tool in Silicon Valley, emphasizing the importance of selling oneself and one's vision.

  • "Scale fast or die trying." This phrase highlights the importance of rapid growth and expansion in startup culture.