I'm sure there are exceptions, but for the most part certifications are useful when applying to bigger companies who use certifications in order to have more un

I'm sure there are exceptions, but for the most part certifications are useful when applying to bigger companies who use certifications in order to have more uniform hiring standards. For startups, choice of early employees is critical, so certifications usually play a very minor role. Usually personal connections, references, and experience trump everything else.