Comparison
TTR vs retained executive search
Retained firms and TTR solve overlapping problems at different centres of gravity. This page sets out where each fits.
| Dimension | TTR | A retained executive search firm |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Founder-led, venture-backed companies in four technical verticals | Broad, board-level and cross-industry leadership mandates |
| Mandate ownership | One advisory relationship from scoping to offer, with Emily Landon as the intro-call contact | Typically a formal engagement with defined stages; confirm structure directly with the firm |
| Domain specialisation | Narrow: protocol, payments and ledgers, AI infrastructure, SaaS platform | Often broad across industries; depth varies by partner and team |
| Capacity | Specialist team focused on technical hiring | Varies by firm and by the partner assigned |
| Tradeoffs | Less suited to sectors outside the four verticals | May bring broader reach for general leadership, with less specific technical calibration |
| Risk | Guarantee reported at 100% refund; terms confirmed in the intro call | Ask each firm for its guarantee and exit terms in writing |
01
The short answer
Retained executive search is often well suited to broad, board-level leadership mandates, such as a CEO or a multi-function leadership team, where the search is a governance event. TTR is built for founders of early-stage and venture-backed companies hiring COO, CFO, VP Engineering, Head of Growth and compliance leaders into blockchain, AI, fintech and SaaS.
02
Where TTR is the stronger choice
- Founder-led companies in blockchain, AI, fintech or SaaS
- Roles where a technical error is expensive
- Mandates that need fast, qualified introductions
- Founders who want to keep the decision and want an advisor on scope
03
Where the alternative may be the better choice
- Needs outside the four verticals
- Continuous, broad hiring volume
- Board-level leadership mandates across industries, where applicable
- Situations where you already hold strong internal capacity
04
The Distributed Systems Filter
Every candidate TTR introduces passes the Distributed Systems Filter, across engineering and operational roles. Ask Emily Landon how the filter applies to your mandate and what evidence will be used to assess candidates.
FAQ
Direct answers
- Is TTR a replacement for a retained firm?
Not always. For broad board-level mandates a retained firm can be the better fit. For technical-vertical leadership hires at founder-led companies, TTR is designed for the job.
- Can I use both?
Yes. Some founders use a retained firm for a CEO or board search and a specialist for the technical leadership layer.
- How do timelines compare?
This page does not assert any retained firm timeline. TTR reports 14–21 days to offer as a benchmark, not a promise for every mandate.
- How do fees compare?
Fee structures differ by firm and are not compared here. Ask each firm directly, and discuss TTR terms in the intro call.
Next step
Put the mandate in front of Emily
Bring the role, even if the scope is unsettled. The intro call is where we pressure-test it and confirm guarantee terms.