Start-Ups & Scale-Ups
In the fast-moving world of high‑growth businesses, exceptional business support is not just helpful, it’s essential. Whether you are raising your first Seed round or scaling confidently through Series C, the demands on your operations, communications, and leadership teams grow exponentially. At ISE Partners, we understand that the success of any ambitious start-up or scale-up depends on hiring the right people early; individuals who bring agility, structure, and outstanding judgment to environments where every day looks different.
For over 15 years, we have partnered with some of Europe’s most exciting founders, offering specialist support in hiring for startups at every stage of growth. We are proud to have secured the very first business support hires for multiple “ones to watch”, often placing the early Executive Assistant, Operations Coordinator, or Office Manager who becomes the linchpin of the founding team. Our candidates know how to thrive in lean, entrepreneurial settings, adapting quickly as your business scales and your needs evolve.
Our dedicated start-up recruitment and scale-up recruitment practice connects you with individuals who offer far more than administrative support. They bring the versatility and resilience needed to keep a growing business moving forward. From building workflows from scratch, to ensuring seamless communication across investors, customers, and internal teams, the right support professional can accelerate your trajectory and free up founders to focus on what matters most.
Every start-up is unique, and so is every search. Some founders need a right hand with board-level polish; others require a generalist who can pivot between culture, finance admin, events, and day-to-day operations. Because we have long supported some of the most innovative technology, biotech, sustainability, fintech, and consumer disruptors, we understand the nuances that define high-growth hiring, from pace and personality fit to the ability to future-proof a role for scale.
We specialise in placing:
• Executive Assistants (EAs)
• Personal Assistants (PAs)
• Chiefs of Staff
• Operations Managers
• Team Assistants
• Receptionists & Front-of-House professionals
• Office Managers
• People & Culture Coordinators
• Business Operations and hybrid support roles
Why Start-Ups & Scale-Ups Choose ISE Partners
When you’re scaling fast, every hire matters. With ISE Partners, you gain a start-up recruitment partner who understands the unique requirements of each business support hire and who can secure the talent that will help your organisation operate at its highest potential. Our focus on hiring for startups and scale-up recruitment ensures your team is equipped for every growth stage.
Deep expertise in high-growth environments
We know the rhythms, pressures, and challenges of early-stage businesses, and we place talent who can keep up.
Access to exceptional support talent
Our network includes career EAs, ex-founders, operational generalists, and ambitious rising stars who excel in fluid, evolving roles.
Long-term partnership
Many of the start-ups we supported in their infancy now recruit global teams with us.
Founder-first approach
We take time to understand your vision, culture, and growth plans so your first support hires accelerate, rather than slow, your momentum.