Embedded Fractional Head of Talent for AI Startups
We run hiring end-to-end for AI founders — from GTM roles to ML engineers — role design, pipeline, interview loop and close — so you scale with precision and zero hiring drag.
Trusted by high-stakes startups, AI safety orgs and research labs
Not a recruiter. A strategic partner for AI talent decisions.
Judgment, Not Volume
We don't flood your inbox with resumes. We bring clarity on who you actually need, where they are and how to close them. Every recommendation is calibrated to your stage, stack and culture.
AI Ecosystem Depth
Our network spans AI labs, safety organizations, research fellowships and frontier startups. We know the talent flows between labs and startups — and where senior AI engineers actually move.
Founder-Speed Execution
48-hour role calibration. Daily pipeline updates. No enterprise process drag. We move at the speed you need when a critical hire is blocking your roadmap.
Built for organizations where AI talent is existential
AI Safety Organizations
Research labs and nonprofits working on alignment, interpretability and governance. We understand mission-driven AI safety hiring and the unique dynamics of this talent market.
Research Labs & Fellowships
University spinouts, independent research orgs and fellowship programs. We help you compete for talent against well-funded labs while preserving research culture.
Applied AI Startups (Seed-Series A)
Pre-seed through Series A companies building AI-native products. Whether it's your first GTM hire to drive revenue, your founding ML engineer, or scaling technical infrastructure, we scope roles for your stage.
AI Infrastructure Teams
Training infrastructure, inference optimization, MLOps, developer tools. We recruit for the deep technical expertise these roles demand.
Two ways to work together
Hiring Intervention
A focused engagement for a single role that cannot wait or fail. Whether it's a critical GTM hire, senior engineer, or research role, we work alongside you to define the role precisely, source from our AI-native network and run a process designed for speed and signal.
- Role definition and market calibration
- Sourcing from lab, startup and research networks
- Interview design and candidate evaluation
- Offer strategy and close support
Engagements scoped based on urgency and complexity. Limited availability per quarter.
Fractional Head of Talent
Your embedded talent partner before you hire a full-time People team. We build and run your hiring engine weekly — pipeline, process and execution across GTM, AI and engineering roles. From your first GTM hire to scaling technical teams.
- Role calibration + scorecards
- Pipeline + outbound system
- Interview loop + decision framework
- Offer strategy + closing
- Weekly reporting + momentum
Retainers structured quarterly. Availability limited to ensure partnership depth.
The Velocity Hiring Method
Founder-speed clarity. Low friction. High signal.
Diagnostic Call
30 minutes to understand your org, the role and what success looks like. No prep required. We'll tell you honestly if we're the right fit.
Scope & Align
Within 48 hours: a clear scope document with role definition, search strategy, timeline and what we need from you. Fast alignment, no back-and-forth.
Source & Screen
We activate our network across AI labs, research orgs and startups. Every candidate has been pre-qualified for technical fit, cultural alignment and genuine interest.
Close with Confidence
We stay through offer negotiation and acceptance. Our job isn't done when you pick a candidate — it's done when they show up.
"We needed to hire two engineers before our Series A closed. Kelly delivered 8 qualified candidates in 10 days. We made both hires in week two."
Sarah Chen
Co-Founder, AI Infrastructure Startup
Ready to talk?
Book a 30-minute Fit Call. We'll discuss your role, timeline and whether Kelly Advisory is the right partner. No pitch. No pressure. Just clarity.
Fit Calls are for founders and hiring leads at AI-focused organizations with active or near-term hiring needs.