I was contacted via the Bamboo HR email ID by the HR Director. The first conversation was actually great. They gave me an elaborate assignment = Free Work. I got an email about 3 days after saying would love for you to meet the hiring manager. No prices for guessing here. No call. and definitely no follow up.
I totally get startups (even though they are not that new in the business). I understand chaos and things coming up last minute. But, I do not understand the lack of disrespect and decency when working with candidates (read "human"). You wanted free work, and chose to not move further with the candidate. Let them know that they are not being considered.
People make your business. They are either your employees or your customers. And if this is the culture you want to build for yourself, you might want to rethink how you run your business. Its appalling. You need help.