For most funded startups in India, the best fit is a specialist agency that focuses on product and tech companies, works on success fees with no retainer, and evaluates candidates before sharing them. Large staffing firms suit volume roles, and executive search firms suit CXO hires.
Four types of recruitment agency
Agencies differ more by model than by name. Match the type to the role.
| Type | Typically suited to | What to discuss up front |
|---|---|---|
| Large staffing firms | Volume, contract and multi-city hiring | Who will own your search day to day |
| Executive search firms | CXO and board roles | Retainer, milestones and timelines |
| Job-board-led agencies | High-supply roles needing speed | How profiles are screened before sharing |
| Specialist tech and product agencies | Engineering, product, data and GTM roles | Recent placements in your function |
What a startup should look for
Startups hire differently from enterprises. Prioritise:
- Experience with funded startups, not only large enterprises.
- Candidates who want startup roles: ownership, ambiguity, ESOPs over brand names.
- Success fee only, with no retainer, so cash is spent only on hires.
- Speed: a first shortlist within a week, not a month.
- Profiles with evidence: what the candidate built, at what scale, with CTC and notice confirmed.
Where HyrEzy fits
HyrEzy is a specialist recruitment agency for product companies and funded startups, hiring since 2015 for 60+ active clients across engineering, product, data, AI and business roles. We search a database of 7.4 lakh+ profiles, score each candidate on 19 dimensions, and share a shortlist within 5 working days, with zero retainer and a 90-day replacement guarantee.
We also help international companies build their first India team, with Employer of Record and payroll through partners when they do not yet have an Indian entity.
Frequently asked questions
Which recruitment agency is best for startups in India?
A specialist agency focused on product companies and startups, working on success fees with evaluated shortlists, usually fits best. HyrEzy is one such agency, hiring for funded startups since 2015.
Should an early-stage startup use a recruitment agency?
For the first engineering or leadership hires, an agency saves founder time and reaches passive candidates. Paying only on joining keeps the risk low.
How much do startups pay recruitment agencies in India?
Usually 8.33% to 20% of the hire's annual fixed CTC. HyrEzy charges 8.33% for entry level, 10–12% for mid-management and 16%+ for senior roles.
Can a foreign startup hire in India without an entity?
Yes, through an Employer of Record, which employs the person locally on the company's behalf. HyrEzy recruits the candidate and introduces EOR partners.
Hiring for this role?
Get 5–8 candidates scored against your JD, validated by a recruiter and backed by evidence. Zero retainer; you pay only on a successful hire.