About Close
What is Close?
Close is a "bootstrapped, profitable, 100% remote, ~100 person team" building a CRM focused on better communication, without the hassle of manual data entry or a complex UI. Founded in 2013 by CEO Steli Efti, Close set out to "supercharge sales productivity with the most modern, thoughtfully designed, all-in-one, communication-focused CRM."
The product is targeted at small scaling businesses — "we love small scaling businesses" — and stays true to the bootstrapped roots: profitable, focused, with no VC pressure to chase the wrong markets. Steli's $0-30M Blueprint podcast (close.com/blueprint) documents the company's journey publicly.
Where will I work?
Close has been "a 100% remote company since 2016 (we believe in trust and autonomy)." The team works "from the USA, Brazil, Spain, Poland and beyond!" Each year, the entire team gathers in person for a retreat to "build connection, foster cross-functional collaboration, and have fun" — 2023 was Milan, 2026 is Barcelona, Spain.
What is the Close team like?
Close's culture is anchored by five values: Build a house you want to live in (long-term thinking) · No BS (transparency, especially when hard) · Invest in each other (relationship-building) · Discipline equals freedom (keep your word) · Strive for greatness (constant challenge).
The backend tech stack is Python Flask with the open-source TaskTiger scheduler, plus MongoDB, PostgreSQL, ElasticSearch, Redis as data stores, all running on AWS (EKS, MSK, RDS, ElastiCache, EC2). Close uses AI tools daily and expects candidates to do the same.
Work-Life Balance
Close offers 5 weeks PTO from day one + winter holiday break, with 2 additional PTO days each year of tenure. The company is uniquely flexible on schedule: "we allow all employees to choose between working 5 days/wk or 4 days/wk @ 80% pay. We are also open to part time contracts." After 5 years with the team, employees are eligible for a 1-month paid sabbatical.
Perks and Benefits
- 5 weeks PTO from day one + winter holiday break + 2 additional days per year
- Choose 4-day or 5-day work week — 4 days @ 80% pay
- 1-month paid sabbatical at 5-year anniversary
- Paid parental leave for primary AND secondary caregivers
- Medical, dental, vision with HSA option + dependent care FSA (US residents)
- 401(k) with 6% match — immediate vesting (US residents)
- Organization-wide goal-based bonus
- Annual all-team retreat — Milan 2023, Barcelona 2026
- 100% remote since 2016 — work from USA, Brazil, Spain, Poland, beyond
- $1,000 referral bonus for successful hires
- Hiring process: Application → Video Intro → Skills Assessment → Video Interviews → Founder Interview → References