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Pick the search model that matches the seat, not the default agency pitch
Fee structure, risk, and timeline differences when you need a founding AE or SDR and runway still matters.
Bottom line
For most founding AE and SDR seats at Seed and Series A, contingency with pay-on-start economics fits better than retained search. Retained makes sense for rare leadership mandates where you want exclusive focus and can fund a retainer. Compare fee risk, timeline, and how candidates are vetted before you sign.
When contingency fits
You need a founding AE or SDR in weeks, not a six-month leadership search. Cash should stay aligned with a start date. You want multiple firms or channels possible, or a specialist who still works pay-on-start.
Vektor runs contingency from a 20% floor of first-year base salary, with mock-call vetting before submission and a 90-day replacement guarantee.
When retained fits
The seat is scarce leadership, the market is thin, and you want one firm locked to the mandate with a retainer. Retained is a poor default for early AE seats where speed and cash discipline matter more than exclusivity theater.
What to demand either way
Live selling signal on your product, a written brief, and clear ownership of the search. Model choice does not fix resume-forward slates.
FAQ
Is retained higher quality by default?
No. Quality comes from brief clarity and vetting. Retained buys focus and exclusivity, not automatic better candidates.
Can contingency work for Head of Sales?
Often yes for early player-coach seats. Pure C-level or highly scarce mandates may still warrant retained.
What does Vektor charge?
Fees negotiated on each Order Form from a 20% floor of first-year base salary. You pay nothing until the candidate starts.
Are you a Los Angeles recruiting firm?
Yes. Vektor Talent is based in Los Angeles and runs contingency founding AE and early sales searches across the U.S. and Canada.
Deeper reading
Need a founding AE or early sales hire?
Book a call. Pay nothing until start, with mock-call vetting and a 90-day replacement guarantee.