Finding the right CEO for your start-up is a critical step in ensuring its success. The ideal leader will not only bring valuable experience and expertise to your organization but also drive growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability. In this guide, I will share various strategies to help you find the perfect CEO for your start-up, such as leveraging your network, talent sourcing, attending industry events, using job boards, working with executive search firms, partnering with incubators and accelerators, and utilizing social media. The role of a CEO in a start-up is crucial, as they provide the strategic direction and leadership needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with growing a new business. Identifying the right CEO candidate requires a thorough understanding of your start-up’s needs and goals, as well as a strategic approach to sourcing and engaging potential candidates. In the following sections, I will delve into each strategy and discuss the benefits they provide in your search for the ideal CEO. By implementing these methods and remaining patient and persistent, you can increase your chances of finding a CEO who aligns with your start-up’s vision, values, and objectives, ultimately setting your business on the path to success. Network Leverage your personal and professional networks to find a CEO for your start-up. Reach out to friends, family, colleagues, and industry contacts to see if they know anyone who would be a good fit for the role. Networking can be one of the most effective ways to identify potential candidates because it allows you to tap into the knowledge and connections of people you trust. By doing so, you increase the likelihood of finding a CEO who shares your vision and values, and who can help drive your start-up towards success. Benefits: Access to a diverse pool of candidates A more personalized and targeted approach to finding a CEO Increased chance of finding a candidate who aligns with your start-up’s values and culture Talent Sourcing Consider partnering with experienced talent sourcers like myself, who specialize in identifying and engaging with potential candidates based on your specific criteria. By collaborating with a talent sourcer, you gain access to a wealth of industry knowledge and connections, which can help you find candidates who may not be actively seeking new opportunities. These passive candidates could turn out to be the perfect fit for your start-up. Talent sourcing allows you to discover high-potential candidates who may not be actively seeking new opportunities but could be the perfect fit for your start-up. Benefits: Access to a specialized network and industry knowledge A targeted approach to finding the ideal CEO Increased likelihood of discovering passive candidates who could be the perfect fit for your start-up Industry Events Attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows to network with potential CEO candidates. These gatherings often attract passionate and experienced professionals who are interested in sharing their knowledge and exploring new opportunities. By attending these events, you not only expose your start-up to a larger audience but also increase your chances of connecting with a potential CEO who understands your industry and has the necessary leadership skills. Benefits: Opportunity to meet experienced industry professionals Increased visibility for your start-up Access to a pool of candidates with relevant industry knowledge and expertise Job Boards Post the CEO job opening on job boards like LinkedIn, AngelList, and Glassdoor. These platforms allow you to reach a large audience of potential candidates, increasing your chances of finding the right person for the role. Be sure to create a compelling job description that highlights the unique aspects of your start-up and the CEO position, as this will help attract top talent. For a comprehensive list of top job platforms to find the right talent for your company, I recommend reading my article Top Job Platforms to Find the Right Talent for Your Company. In this article, I explore various job platforms and their benefits, giving you valuable insights into selecting the most effective job boards for your CEO search. Benefits: Wide reach to potential candidates Increased visibility for your start-up and the open position Ability to filter and screen candidates based on specific criteria Guidance on choosing the most suitable job platforms for your search Sign Up for News Every month I’ll be sharing with you practical strategies and resources to help you build and lead your international, remote team. No spam. Tons of value. You can unsubscribe anytime. Executive Search Firms Consider working with an executive search firm that specializes in placing CEOs and other C-level executives. These firms have extensive networks and can help you find highly qualified candidates who may not be accessible through other methods. Additionally, executive search firms typically have experience working with start-ups, so they understand the unique challenges and opportunities associated with finding a CEO for a young company. Benefits: Access to a pool of experienced and vetted candidates Professional assistance in navigating the hiring process Expertise in matching candidates with the specific needs of your start-up Talent Sourcing Talent sourcing involves proactively identifying, engaging, and evaluating potential candidates for the CEO position. This can be done through various methods, such as researching industry leaders, conducting informational interviews, or using specialized talent databases. Talent sourcing allows you to discover high-potential candidates who may not be actively seeking new opportunities but could be the perfect fit for your start-up. Benefits: Access to passive candidates who may not be visible through traditional channels A more targeted approach to finding the ideal CEO Increased control over the candidate selection process Incubators and Accelerators If your start-up is part of an incubator or accelerator program, they may have resources to help you find a CEO. These programs often have networks of experienced mentors and advisors who can provide guidance and connections. Some programs even offer dedicated recruitment support or access to talent pools specifically tailored for start-ups. Make the most of these resources and actively engage with your program’s community to increase your chances of finding the perfect CEO. Benefits:

When it comes to managing a global workforce, choosing the right Employer of Record (EOR) plays a crucial role in your company’s success. In this article, I have compiled a list of the top 12 European Employer of Record providers as of March 2023. These EORs, based in Europe, are ideal for European businesses that prefer working with an EOR founded in Europe due to cultural, logistical, or other reasons, rather than those based in other regions like the USA. To help you make the best decision for your organization, I’ve included a brief overview of each EOR’s unique features and offerings, as well as a general description, main features, and pricing information. By selecting the right European EOR, you can effectively manage your international workforce and ensure compliance with local labor laws and regulations across multiple countries. For additional insights into the world of EORs, you might find my previous articles, “The 10 Most Popular Employer of Records” and “The 16 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Employer of Record (EOR),” helpful. These articles provide valuable information on the most popular EORs globally and the essential factors to consider when selecting the ideal EOR for your business. Continue reading to discover the top 12 European Employer of Record providers and identify the best match for your company’s global workforce management needs. The Top 12 European Employer of Record Providers (EORs) Lano Lano is a global software solution and Employer of Record (EOR) platform that empowers businesses to hire, pay, and manage full-time employees and contractors in over 170 countries worldwide. With a strong focus on leveraging technology, Lano streamlines global hiring, payments, and payroll operations, ensuring full compliance and record-time processing. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany, Lano serves over 2,000 companies globally, ranging from high-growth startups to SMBs and enterprises. What makes Lano unique is its comprehensive contractor management solution and the Lano Wallet feature, which allows companies to pay in most local currencies, offering clients a transparent and cost-effective payment process. Lano Wallet supports 50+ currencies and provides an average foreign exchange (FX) spread of just 1%, significantly lower than the average bank rate of 3-5%. This enables clients to save an average of 2-4% on currency exchange fees. Lano also excels in consolidating multi-country payroll, offering a user-friendly, cloud-based platform backed by a global network of employment, tax, and compliance experts. This feature allows startups and scaleups to save valuable time when entering new markets, reducing the time needed for building local teams to days instead of months. Main Features: EOR and contractor management services in 170+ countries Lano Wallet for transparent and cost-effective payment processing in 50+ currencies Strong focus on contractor solutions Multi-country payroll consolidation for efficient global workforce management Seamless integration with popular accounting, HR, and other tools, such as Candis, Datev, QuickBooks, Xero, Workday, AdobeSign, DocuSign, Coupa, Auth0, Jira, Google Drive, Microsoft, Salesforce, Webhooks, Microsoft Dynamics, and Okta Offers Open API for custom integrations Pricing: EOR: fixed fee – from 550 EUR  per employee per month Contractor Management: fixed fee – from 20 EUR per active contractor per month Multi-Country Payroll – from 300 EUR per month (1-5 employees) or from 30 EUR ;per month per employee (>5 employees); plus one time setup fee from 1000 EUR per provider Teamed Global Teamed Global is a boutique Employer of Record (EOR) and global workforce management solution provider that specializes in helping businesses hire, onboard, and manage employees and contractors worldwide. Established in 2018 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, Teamed Global has expanded its team to 23 employees on LinkedIn as of March 2023, focusing on delivering personalized and efficient EOR services to its clients. Teamed Global distinguishes itself from other EOR providers by offering a high level of customization and a hands-on approach to global workforce management. Their team of experts works closely with clients to understand their unique challenges and requirements, providing tailored solutions that suit their specific needs, allowing businesses to navigate international employment with confidence. Main Features: Boutique EOR services with a hands-on approach to global workforce management Customized solutions tailored to clients’ unique needs and challenges Locally compliant employment contracts and expertise in local labor laws Efficient payroll management with support for multiple currencies Employee self-service portal for easy access to personal information Comprehensive benefits administration, including local health insurance and pension options Contractor management services with streamlined invoicing and tax documentation Expert guidance on legal, tax, and HR compliance in international hiring Scalable solutions designed to adapt to evolving business needs Personalized customer support for a smooth and satisfying experience Pricing: Teamed Global offers a customized pricing model that takes into account the unique needs of businesses when managing international employees and contractors. Pricing for employees typically involves a monthly fee per employee, which can vary based on factors such as the employee’s location, the level of service provided, and the specific requirements of the client. For contractors, Teamed Global develops tailored pricing plans that consider the scope of contractor management required and the specific services involved. To obtain accurate and detailed pricing information, it is advisable to contact Teamed Global’s sales team directly, who can provide a personalized quote based on factors like the number of employees and contractors, and any additional services necessary for successful global workforce management. Omnipresent Omnipresent is a prominent Employer of Record (EOR) and global workforce management solution provider that focuses on assisting businesses with the hiring, onboarding, and management of employees and contractors across the globe. Established in 2019 and based in the United Kingdom, Omnipresent has rapidly grown its team to 415 employees on LinkedIn as of March 2023, illustrating its dedication to delivering exceptional EOR services. Omnipresent distinguishes itself from other EOR providers by offering a seamless, technology-driven approach to global workforce management. By utilizing its extensive expertise in international employment regulations and local labor laws, Omnipresent supports businesses in expanding their operations worldwide while maintaining compliance with intricate employment laws and payroll requirements.