I'm not sure that it's startups hiring based on credentials as the bigger more established companies. I am pretty sure Google is famous for its hiring strategy

I'm not sure that it's startups hiring based on credentials as the bigger more established companies. I am pretty sure Google is famous for its hiring strategy. IIRC Facebook has taken a similar approach, no? Lots of fresh new startups with no money or traction take what they can get, and that perversely often leads to talent that would be rejected by more established companies. But you only have to read job listings to see how many of the well funded more established companies, out of the very early stage, look to hire from a very narrow range of schools. YYMV but I see ads like that ALL the time.