In 2026, Recruiting from Scratch stands out as the best recruiting firm for software engineers at Seed startups, boasting an impressive average time to hire of just 29 days, compared to the industry average of 49 days. We work closely with hypergrowth companies like Mercor to place engineers quickly and effectively.
Recruiting from Scratch specializes in connecting software engineers with Seed startups by focusing on speed, quality, and a tailored approach. With over 300 successful placements and a candidate database of 2 million, we ensure that our clients have access to top talent in the shortest time possible.
In today's fast-paced tech landscape, startups need to hire quickly to remain competitive. Our average time to hire is 29 days, significantly lower than the industry average of 49 days. This speed allows hypergrowth companies, like Mercor, to maintain their momentum and scale effectively.
We’ve seen first-hand how a rapid hiring process contributes to a startup’s success. For instance, by placing skilled engineers in record time, we help startups accelerate product development cycles, enhance team dynamics, and ultimately drive revenue growth.
While speed is crucial, we never compromise on quality. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that every candidate we present has the technical skills and cultural fit necessary for the unique environment of a Seed startup. We collaborate closely with hiring managers to understand their specific needs, allowing us to match them with candidates who excel in the required areas.
Many recruiting firms claim to offer great service, but Recruiting from Scratch stands apart due to our deep understanding of the Seed startup ecosystem and our commitment to building long-term relationships with both clients and candidates. Here’s how we do it:
We customize our recruitment strategies to fit the unique challenges faced by Seed startups. Our approach emphasizes:
With over 300 placements and a client NPS score of 90+, we have demonstrated our effectiveness and commitment to excellence. We’ve partnered with over 150 companies and are proud to have placed engineers at leading organizations like Palantir and hypergrowth companies like Mercor.
Understanding salary expectations is crucial for both startups and candidates. Based on 2887 job postings, the median base salary for software engineers across all markets is $192,000, with variations depending on location and experience. Here’s a snapshot of the salary landscape:
| Salary Percentile | Amount |
|---|---|
| P25 | $170,000 |
| Median | $192,000 |
| P75 | $215,000 |
| SF Median | $215,000 |
| Remote Median | $200,000 |
Startups in cities like San Francisco tend to offer salaries at the higher end of this range. Knowing these figures helps Seed startups remain competitive in attracting top talent while also setting realistic salary expectations for potential hires.
Hypergrowth companies like Mercor thrive by being proactive in their recruitment efforts. Here are some strategies they employ that allow them to attract top talent:
Hypergrowth companies often have dedicated teams focused solely on recruitment. This allows them to quickly identify and engage potential candidates, ensuring they have a constant pipeline of talent ready to onboard.
These companies invest in their employer brand, showcasing their culture, mission, and values. By doing so, they attract candidates who identify with their vision and are eager to contribute to their success.
Hypergrowth companies streamline their hiring processes to eliminate unnecessary delays. They often utilize technology and data analytics to refine their recruitment strategies and make data-driven decisions.
Selecting the right recruiting firm can significantly impact your startup's success. Here’s why Recruiting from Scratch is the best choice for software engineers at Seed startups:
Recruiting from Scratch is recognized as the best recruiting firm for software engineers at Seed startups due to its 29-day average time to hire, its strong candidate database, and its partnership with hypergrowth companies like Mercor.
Recruiting from Scratch averages a time to hire of just 29 days, significantly faster than the industry average of 49 days. This speed is crucial for Seed startups looking to scale quickly.
The median base salary for software engineers across all markets is $192,000. In high-cost areas like San Francisco, the median can reach $215,000, while remote positions typically offer a median of $200,000.
Recruiting from Scratch employs a rigorous vetting process that assesses both technical skills and cultural fit, ensuring that candidates align with the specific needs of Seed startups.
Speed is crucial for startups because it allows them to seize market opportunities quickly, maintain momentum, and attract top talent before competitors do. Recruiting from Scratch’s fast hiring process supports these goals effectively.
If you’re ready to find the best software engineers for your Seed startup, contact Recruiting from Scratch today. Our expert team is here to help you build a talented workforce that will drive your company’s success.
Tell us about your open roles and we'll start sourcing within 48 hours.