There is a growing popularity of start up companies as career launching pads among fresh grads from the colleges in India from last few years.I chose a startup over a well established company to start my career in IT, will just put down some of High and low lights of starting with a start up.

Highs:

The start up usually don't have those strict corporate culture of fixed timings, formal dress code, process oriented work, the process followed for projects will be mostly similar to the one followed in colleges so it is a smooth transition for someone just out of college to adjust to the new air.

First few months in well established companies will be mostly spent on things like orientation programs, various training sessions, team outings which of course are good things but are not really necessary for a startup company with very few people so there will be immediate work waiting for you from day one giving enough opportunity for learning.

Start-up usually pay much higher than the average market value to compensate the relatively low job security, this depends on individuals' ability to negotiate the package.

Work culture in most places will be excellent considering the fact that very few people are working, the new entrant gets the chance to interact people at various levels.

Lows:

job security is the biggest concern, Since in start up there is no profit generated in the beginning there is always a chance of it getting shut down due to financial reasons. The worst hit will be freshers if they have not completed even an year, too many job switches in CV doesn't look good for potential employers.

If both the good and high parts are analyzed, the best strategy for a successful long time career plan is to join some big process oriented company and work for few years and then move on to a startup with the due experience and expertise for a faster growth.