The overall process took about a quarter, with 5 rounds of interviews and a take home assessment, which are not difficult. It is very abnormal that after 5 rounds of interview, the company reached out and completed the reference check (that my references only have good things to say) and then came back with: "Oopsy we forgot to tell you there is another around interview with the C-level." Before that "final C-level" conversation happens, the company decided to pass. To me it's a clear red-flag that the management does not have a clear idea what they are looking for, and moves way too slow as a start-up. It would be nice if the company could cut it short, and not wasting everyone's time.