Updated September 2026
The best executive search firms for startups in 2026 include Riviera Partners for technology and engineering leadership, Daversa Partners for venture-backed and growth-stage companies, Hunt Club for network and referral-led leadership hires, and Funded.club for fixed-fee leadership searches. The most useful way to choose between them is to compare how much you commit before you see a single candidate.
A leadership hire is the most expensive search most startups run, and the one with the least room for error. Founders usually compare firms on reputation and track record. It is just as important to understand the payment structure, because it decides who carries the risk if the search stalls.
Four options for startup leadership hires
Funded.club is listed first. For every other provider, check their own site for current pricing, terms and services.
| Provider | Model | Often suits |
|---|---|---|
| Funded.club | Fixed-fee recruiting partner, one dedicated recruiter per search, $15,900 to $21,900 for roles above $150,000 | First heads of function and VP hires at Seed to Series D |
| Riviera Partners | An executive search firm focused on technology and engineering leadership | CTO, VP Engineering and other technical leadership searches |
| Daversa Partners | An executive search firm working with venture-backed and growth-stage companies | C-level and senior leadership searches at venture-backed companies |
| Hunt Club | A network and referral-led recruiting firm, often used for leadership hires | Leadership roles where warm introductions carry weight |
These four are not interchangeable. A dedicated executive search firm and a fixed-fee recruiter can both fill a VP role, but they suit different stages, budgets and levels of risk.
Compare what you commit before seeing anyone
Executive search is often retained, which means the fee is committed at the start and paid in stages as the search runs. Contingency search charges nothing until a hire, then a percentage of salary. A fixed-fee model sits between the two.
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Retained search makes sense when the role needs deep market mapping, strict confidentiality or board-level involvement, and the firm's full commitment is worth paying for upfront. For a first VP at a Seed or Series A startup, many founders prefer a structure where the risk is shared, so a stalled search does not cost the full fee.
A worked example: a VP Engineering on $200,000
Take an illustrative VP Engineering hire on a $200,000 base salary. Swap in your own figure, and ask any retained firm for its exact fee and payment stages.
At 20 to 25% contingency, the fee would be $40,000 to $50,000, paid once the hire is made. On Funded.club's fixed fee, a role above $150,000 costs $15,900 to $21,900, agreed before the search starts. Part is an advance at kick-off and the balance falls due when your candidate accepts.
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The fixed structure also changes the negotiation. Leadership offers often move during the final round, with equity, sign-on or base adjusted to close. A percentage fee rises with the base. A fixed fee does not, so the recruiter's only goal is getting your chosen leader to say yes.
How to pick for your stage
- Seed to Series A, first head of a function. The role is often still being shaped. A dedicated recruiter on a fixed fee, or a network-led firm, keeps cost and commitment proportionate.
- Series B and beyond, VP or C-level with board input. A specialist executive search firm such as Riviera Partners or Daversa Partners may justify its structure through depth of search.
- Confidential replacement of a current leader. Choose a firm used to discreet searches and agree how the role will be described to candidates.
- Technical leadership. Look for a recruiter who can assess engineering leaders in depth. Our guide on how to hire a CTO covers what to test for.
Where Funded.club fits
Funded.club is a fixed-fee recruiting partner for funded startups and fast-growing teams across North America, Europe and APAC. Since 2019 we've helped 500+ startups from Seed to Series D, with leadership searches alongside engineering, product, sales, marketing, operations and customer success roles.
For roles above $150,000, our fee is $15,900 to $21,900, agreed upfront (see pricing). One dedicated recruiter handles sourcing, headhunting, screening and support through the offer. First screened candidates arrive within 7 days, and if we don't deliver a shortlist of at least 3 qualified candidates within 30 days, you can claim the advance back in full. First-time customers can also ask to defer the advance until they see their first candidates.
Frequently asked questions
Do startups need an executive search firm for a VP hire?
Not always. Early-stage startups can fill VP roles with a fixed-fee or network-led recruiter, and keep retained executive search for C-level roles or confidential searches.
How are executive search firms paid?
Many work on a retained basis, with the fee committed at the start and paid in stages during the search. Terms vary by firm, so ask each one for its exact structure.
How much does Funded.club charge for a leadership hire?
For roles above $150,000, Funded.club charges a fixed fee from $15,900 to $21,900, agreed upfront, with part paid as an advance and the balance on offer acceptance.
Worth a brief chat about your next hire? Book a free call.
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First candidates in 7 days. Fixed-fee, no commission.