Wethod: Transparency and Autonomy in a Modern Tech Startup

This blog post is part of 50+ case studies of self-managing organizations we created for the 2024 inaugural ZeroDX awards. These organizations embody the principles of RenDanHeYi in their work structures:

• Zero Distance to customer: Decision what to build is based on insights from the marketplace

• Autonomy: Small teams with full decision-making autonomy enable speed in execution

• Shared Rewards: Everyone in the micro-enterprise participates in its financial success.

Introducing Wethod

Wethod, a dynamic tech startup, emerged from the innovative hub of H-FARM in Treviso, Italy. Founded to service the project management needs of a digital agency, Wethod has evolved into a small yet impactful team of 10 people.

As a SaaS company, Wethod offers a sophisticated tool designed to enhance team organization with unique features that emphasize transparency and decentralization. Their software is tailored to support a horizontal management approach, embodying the company's dedication to innovation and efficient collaboration. By empowering all team members to manage their tasks and access comprehensive profit and loss information, Wethod fosters a culture of autonomy and accountability.

Wethod is a prime example of a tech product organization following the principles of RenDanHeYi. Its roadmap is largely driven by clients and decisions are taken as close to the customer as possible to ensure swift reaction to their needs. There are no barriers between the client and the team, and work at Wethod is largely driven by the principles of openness, equality, and co-creation.

Flat Hierarchy: A Self-Managed Team Model

Wethod's organizational structure is a textbook example of a flat hierarchy.

Unlike traditional SaaS companies with layers of management, Wethod operates with a high degree of autonomy. How Wethod’s self-managed structure works:

• No traditional managers – The CEO acts as a product owner, working closely with the team.
• Decentralized leadership – A senior developer coordinates the team, ensuring smooth collaboration.
• Collective responsibility – Every team member can lead projects on feature development or bug fixes.
• Shared customer support & business development – Everyone plays a role in understanding and supporting clients.

This decentralized structure ensures that decisions are made as close to the customer as possible, allowing for rapid innovation and real-time problem-solving.

Zero Distance to Customers: A Transparent and Interactive Approach

Customer feedback isn’t just valuable at Wethod—it directly drives product development. The company’s zero-distance approach ensures customers have direct access to the entire Wethod team, fostering deep collaboration.

How Wethod stays close to its customers:

• Direct Slack access – Customers can reach the entire Wethod team instantly via Slack.
• Transparent roadmap – Weekly updates on a public page showcase every deployment and change.
• Annual customer event – Wethod organizes a large gathering with workshops and private sessions, fostering deep engagement.
• Consulting-integrated pricing model – Every subscription includes consulting hours, ensuring customers get the most value from the platform.

This radical transparency and constant interaction build strong relationships with users, making Wethod a true partner rather than just a software provider.

A Culture of Trust, Flexibility, and Shared Ownership

At Wethod, culture isn’t an afterthought—it’s the foundation of everything. The company believes in:

• Full salary transparency – Employees know exactly how compensation is structured.
• Profit-aligned bonuses & raises – Annual salary increases are directly tied to company performance.
• Flexible work policies – Employees have full control over where and when they work.
• Continuous improvement – Regular problem-solving sessions using techniques like the 5 Whys drive innovation.

Employees are also encouraged to develop internal projects to improve company processes, fostering a culture of ownership and experimentation.

Conclusion

Wethod is more than just a project management tool—it’s a living example of a modern, self-managed organization. By removing hierarchy, embracing transparency, and maintaining zero distance to customers, Wethod has created a new blueprint for work that aligns perfectly with RenDanHeYi principles. For companies seeking a distributed, responsible, and customer-driven approach to project management and teamwork, Wethod offers both the mindset and the tools to make it happen.