C-Level · VP · Head of · Headhunting · Global

Executive Search
for AI & Web3
Companies

Boutique executive search for AI and Web3 companies building or scaling leadership teams globally. Discreet, precise and market-informed.

Discuss a mandate

Senior AI and Web3 hiring is different

The best CTO candidates for an AI-native company are not browsing job boards. They are building, advising, or leading elsewhere — and approached by multiple parties every week. Getting their attention requires credibility: knowing the stack, understanding the business context, and having something worth their time to say.

I work exclusively in AI and Web3, which means I understand both sides. When I approach a potential candidate, I do it with full context about the company, the challenge and why this specific role is worth their consideration.

Who I work with

AI-first companies scaling leadership

Startups and scale-ups that have found product-market fit and need to add senior engineering or product leadership — a CTO to scale the team, a VP AI to own the model strategy, a Head of AI to bridge research and production.

Enterprises building AI capability

Traditional companies — fintech, enterprise software, healthcare — making their first senior AI hire. Often a Head of AI or Chief AI Officer to lead an internal transformation. The challenge is positioning the role against AI-native competition.

Web3 companies entering new markets

Crypto exchanges, DeFi protocols and blockchain companies needing regional leadership, compliance heads or a CTO to scale engineering. Often involves confidential replacement or succession planning.

Roles I place

Leadership roles placed

AI Leadership

Chief AI Officer
Head of AI
VP AI / VP Machine Learning
Director of AI
Head of Data & AI
AI Research Lead

Engineering Leadership

CTO (AI-native)
CTO (Web3 / Crypto)
VP Engineering
Director of Engineering
Head of Platform / Infrastructure
Engineering Manager (LLM)

Product Leadership

Chief Product Officer
VP Product
Head of Product (AI)
Head of Product (Web3)
Director of Product

General & Compliance

CEO / General Manager
Chief Compliance Officer
Head of Compliance (Crypto)
MLRO
COO / Chief Operating Officer
CFO (Web3 / AI)

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about executive search in AI and Web3.

How long does an AI executive search take?

Most executive searches take 4 to 8 weeks from signed mandate to shortlist. Highly specialised or niche roles — Chief AI Officer at a specific type of company, a ZK-focused CTO — can take longer. Timeline is significantly influenced by how quickly the client can move once shortlisted candidates are presented. In AI, speed matters: top candidates are in multiple processes simultaneously.

Do you work on retained or contingency basis for executive roles?

For C-level and VP roles, I work on a retained basis. This ensures full commitment, priority allocation and a structured process. For some director-level and Head of roles, a contingency arrangement may be appropriate. We discuss the right model at the initial briefing call.

Can you handle confidential executive searches?

Yes. Confidentiality is standard in executive search. For sensitive mandates — where the search cannot be known internally, where a current leader is still in role, or where the company's strategic direction is not public — I approach candidates without naming the client until both sides have established mutual interest.

What is the typical compensation for a Head of AI or CTO at an AI startup?

CTO at a well-funded AI startup: $220k–$400k+ total compensation (US market), £150k–£250k (UK). Head of AI at a scale-up: $180k–$300k. VP AI at enterprise: $200k–$350k. Equity expectations are high and often the deciding factor for top candidates choosing between offers. These figures vary significantly by company stage, funding and geography.

How do you assess executive AI candidates beyond credentials?

I look at what they have actually shipped — not what they have managed or overseen. For AI executives, I assess whether they can have a credible technical conversation with their team, how they think about build vs. buy decisions, their track record on evaluation and safety, and their ability to translate AI capabilities into business outcomes. A CTO who cannot discuss LLM architecture in depth is rarely the right choice for an AI-native company.

Looking for senior AI
or Web3 leadership?

Share the mandate outline. I will respond within 24 hours
with an initial market read and availability assessment.