Transforming Code Understanding: The CodeSee Journey to Developer Empowerment
Company profile
Company business details
Motivation to build the product
The founders were motivated by the need to improve the onboarding process for developers and to enhance collaboration within teams. They recognized that understanding complex codebases is a significant challenge for many developers, especially in fast-paced environments.Problem that their product solves
CodeSee solves the problem of navigating and understanding complex codebases, which is a common issue for developers and development teams. The end users are developers who need to quickly grasp the structure and connections within their code to work efficiently. Solving this problem is crucial for improving productivity and collaboration in software development.Their unfair advantage
CodeSee's unfair advantage lies in its innovative visualization techniques that allow developers to understand code without having to read it line by line, streamlining the onboarding process and enhancing collaboration.Strategies
Pre-Launch (Product Development & MVP)
Culture-First Hiring Process
At CodeSee, Shanea Leven and her co-founder, Josh Leven, implemented a culture-first hiring process based on the framework outlined in the book, 'Who: The A Method of Hiring' by Geoff Smart and Randy Street. They focused on hiring individuals who possess personal and interpersonal qualities such as effective communication, self-awareness, humility, and empathy. This approach allowed them to build a strong company culture from the ground up, ensuring that culture was a core part of their growth strategy. They developed a structured interview process that included a 45-minute screening followed by two technical interviews, where they used specific questions to gauge candidates' self-awareness and ability to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses. This intentionality in hiring has led to a cohesive team that embodies the values they sought to instill.
Scorecard Utilization in Hiring
To enhance their hiring process, CodeSee adopted the use of a scorecard as recommended in 'Who: The A Method of Hiring.' This scorecard is not merely a job description but a detailed outline of the outcomes and competencies required for a job to be done well, both in terms of job performance and cultural fit. By utilizing this tool, Shanea and Josh were able to objectively assess candidates against the defined criteria, ensuring that each new hire aligned with the company's cultural values and operational needs. This structured approach helped mitigate hiring mistakes and provided a clear framework for evaluating potential team members.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process
Recognizing the importance of onboarding, CodeSee established a well-defined onboarding process for new hires. Each new employee has a day-one meeting with either Shanea or Josh, where they discuss personal communication preferences and collaboration strategies. This meeting is part of a broader onboarding documentation that outlines the resources and expectations for new hires, ensuring they have the support needed to excel in their roles. By prioritizing onboarding, CodeSee aims to integrate new employees into their culture effectively and set them up for success from the start.
Community Engagement through Podcasting
Shanaya Levin, the founder of Code C, engaged with the tech community by participating in a podcast series called 'The Tech Founder Odyssey.' This platform allowed her to share her journey, insights, and the challenges she faced while building her company. By being a guest on the podcast, she not only promoted her brand but also connected with potential users and investors, showcasing the importance of community engagement in the tech industry. The podcast serves as a valuable resource for tech founders and enthusiasts, creating a network of support and knowledge sharing.
Leveraging VC Funding for Product Development
In 2019, after initially working on Code C during nights and weekends, Shanaya Levin secured venture capital funding which allowed her to scale the product to a production level. This funding was pivotal as it enabled her to transition from a side project to a full-fledged business. The process of seeking funding involved networking and sharing her vision with potential investors, which ultimately led to the growth of her company. This strategy highlights the importance of financial backing in the early stages of a tech startup.
Learn more about CodeSee
Founder Notes on Building a Culture-First Hiring Process: An Exchange with CodeSee's Shanea Leven
A Lifelong ‘Maker’ Tackles a Developer Onboarding Problem | Shanea Leven of CodeSee
Code Reviews is more than a crushing Developer Experience - Shanea Leven (CodeSee)
Visualizing Code Is the Key With Shanea Leven,Co-Founder and CEO, CodeSee
