Executive search for startups: your first CTO, VP of Engineering or CMO

When should a startup hire its first executive?

Usually when a founder can no longer run the function personally and the next stage needs someone who has built it before. Common triggers are a funding round that comes with a hiring plan, an engineering team that has outgrown founder management, or a go-to-market push that needs a marketing leader rather than more contractors.

What makes a startup leadership search different?

The best enterprise executive is not always the right first hire. A startup leader builds the team, the process and often the product or brand from scratch, with less support and more ambiguity. We assess candidates for that, not only for titles and logos, and help you shape an offer that competes with larger employers on equity and scope.

What does executive search cost a startup?

We work on contingency: no retainer, no upfront fee, and no fee unless you hire a candidate we introduced. The fee and terms are agreed in writing before the search starts, and every placement carries a 90-day replacement guarantee.

Which roles do you fill for startups?

Technology leadership: CTO, VP or Director of Engineering and Head of Product. Marketing leadership: CMO, VP of Marketing, Head of Growth and Director of Digital Marketing.

Where do you work with startups?

Across North America, with the deepest networks in South Florida (from our office in Delray Beach), Toronto, Montreal and New York.

Frequently asked questions

Do you work with Series A startups?

Yes. Series A is often when a company makes its first executive hire, and it is the stage where an outside search adds the most.

How long does a startup executive search take?

Recent leadership searches have closed in under 3 months from kickoff to signed offer.

Can you find leaders willing to relocate or work remotely?

Yes. Our network covers the United States and Canada, and many startup searches include relocating or remote candidates.