Human talent. Artificial intelligence.
Recruiting talent for the AI Revolution
HSF connects the people advancing AI with the startups shaping its future.
Trusted by startups from seed to IPO
Coast to coast
20+ years recruiting
Quality over quantity
What’s changing
From code to intent.
We recruit for how software is being built now — natural-language programming, AI-native teams, and agents that can use the computer the way people do.
Code to intent. Apps to agents. Digital to physical.
Intent-based computing
Natural-language programming
AI-native development
Agentic software engineering
AI agents
Computer-use agents
Physical AI & robotics
AI infrastructure
Built for startups
We understand what it takes to build from the ground up.
Startup hiring is different. 20+ years working with teams from a first hire to a scaled operation.
How it works
A calibrated process — for startups and for candidates.
Listen first. A short list of people who fit, not a long list who don’t.
For startups
Listen first
We learn what sets you apart before we go to market.
Source and pre-screen
Technical and soft skills, so you meet people who are ready to talk.
Present a short list
Quality over quantity: people who fit your culture and your story.
Keep the process moving
Prompt and efficient through interviews and offer.
For candidates
Listen first
We learn what you want next before we suggest a role.
Calibrated options
We won’t sell you an opportunity that isn’t right. If we can’t help, we’ll say so.
Prep and advocate
We prep you for each conversation and advocate for you. We only win when you win.
Your information stays yours
Only startups you approve ever see your resume and profile.
Who we place
Engineering, AI, robotics, and leadership.
Staff to executive — including AI-native development, agents, robotics, and infrastructure. Seed to pre-IPO, first hire to hire #200.
Development
Software engineering
Data Science
Applied science and ML
Data Engineering
Data platform and pipelines
DevOps
Infrastructure and platform
Product
Product management
Design
Product and design talent
QA / Test
Quality and testing
Leadership
Director and executive search
Robotics & Autonomous Systems
Physical AI and embodied systems
AI Infrastructure
Inference, data, and model platforms
Why HSF
Great technology starts with great people.
HSF Consulting’s track record in startup recruiting started in Silicon Valley. Today we work coast to coast — New York, San Francisco, and every major U.S. market — along with remote roles and Canadian searches.
With 20+ years of startup recruiting experience, we understand what it takes to build teams at every stage of growth. From a startup’s first critical hire to the people who will lead it through its next phase, we focus on finding professionals who bring the experience, initiative, and perspective to make a meaningful impact.
We ride the balance of “do it right” and “get it done.” That means thoughtful conversations, a clear process, and a short list of people who actually fit.
Testimonials
What hiring leaders have said.
They have always exceeded my expectations — they find people who are not only great for the position, but also ready to make a move.
OpenSource Foundation Exec
Andy helped us make several important hires in a very difficult hiring market.
Uber Exec
He helped my company (now part of Google) with a key Android opening. We hired the first person he sent us!
Google Exec
They have helped me hire multiple talented product managers, engineers, and data analysts. Dedicated, effective, and very transparent.
AdTech CTO
Refer a friend
Know someone great? Earn up to $3,000 per placement.
From code to intent.
People make it happen.
For startups
Ready to hire?
Tell us about the role. Retained or contingent, based on what you need.
For candidates
Looking for your next role?
Browse open searches. We won’t pitch you a job that isn’t a fit.