Scaled Agile: Sourcing International Talent for a High-Growth Startup

Formed in 2011, Scaled Agile, Inc. provides the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®), the world’s leading framework for enterprise agility. SAFe helps businesses address the significant challenges of developing and delivering enterprise-class software and systems in the shortest sustainable lead time. Today, SAFe is in its fourth iteration and has been adopted by 70% of Fortune 100 companies and a growing number of the Global 2000.

Scaled Agile’s challenge

As a fast-paced, growing startup, Scaled Agile relies heavily on its Partner Network to support its global customer base. This network represents more than 170 world-class transformation and platform companies that help the world’s biggest brands adopt and implement SAFe. To bring local knowledge to these partner companies and facilitate their success, the company needed to recruit top talent for partner managers in key markets.

Responding to record growth of SAFe adoption in India and ASEAN, Scaled Agile chose to expand partner efforts in the region, and needed to find an in-country representative. The company expedited its timeline to get someone in this role as soon as possible. Scaled Agile also recognized the challenge of finding the right candidate on its own, which was crucial to the partner program’s success. It had to find someone who not only knew India’s business landscape, but also had the right cultural fit to succeed in a rapidly-moving, agile environment.

Velocity Global’s solution

Scaled Agile initially tapped into its own network to source candidates; however, speed, timing, and lack of quality candidates drove the company to use recruiting to cast a wider net. Additionally, it wanted to work with a partner dedicated to finding the ideal candidate for the job—all within a tight timeline.

Scaled Agile previously turned to Velocity Global’s comprehensive global Employer of Record (EOR) solution to onboard international talent in Sweden, Germany, Brazil, and Mexico. Because of this reliable relationship, the team confidently trusted Velocity Global to recruit its first employee in India.

Shared success

Through Velocity Global’s dedicated international recruiting efforts, Scaled Agile was able to secure top talent for its position in India that stood out from the rest—and within its anticipated timeline. Since the right cultural fit held high importance, Velocity Global sourced feedback from the Scaled Agile team and ensured it was a priority during the process.

Because of Scaled Agile’s urgency, Velocity Global created a customized package specific to its hiring schedule, and swiftly handled negotiations, agreements, compensation structure, and onboarding times. The recruiting team also expedited the candidate’s offer letter, which was sent back to the company for approval within 24 hours.

Overall, Scaled Agile was impressed with the expertise, service, and ability to properly manage expectations and timelines. The company plans to work with Velocity Global for future international recruiting needs as it continues to expand.

How Scaled Agile finally found the right talent

Scaled Agile’s challenge

• Scaled Agile needed to recruit for a partner manager in India in order to bring local knowledge to its partner companies. In addition to working on a tight timeline, the company needed to find someone who not only knew India’s business landscape, but also had the right cultural fit for a rapidly-moving environment.

Velocity Global’s solution

• The company initially tapped into its networks to source candidates. However, speed, timing, and quality drove the company to use outside expertise. It previously partnered with Velocity Global for its global Employer of Record (EOR) solution. Because of this trusted relationship, Scaled Agile used Velocity Global to recruit its first employee in India.

Shared success

• Partnering with Velocity Global, Scaled Agile secured talent for its position in India within its anticipated timeline. The recruiting team understood the urgency, created a package specific to its hiring schedule, and expedited the candidate’s offer letter. It plans to work with Velocity Global for future international recruiting needs due to its expertise, service, and speed.