How we built a full IT team in under two months for a Saudi fintech startup entering the GCC P2P lending market.
A major investment holding company based in Saudi Arabia, launching a new fintech venture in the B2C peer-to-peer lending space.
The project was starting from a blank slate, so the client needed candidates with a track record of working in early-stage startups, hands-on fintech experience, and the ability to thrive in ambiguity.
1. No pre-existing hiring processes
The client’s HR function was still being established. Benchmark Executive played a strategic role in structuring the recruitment process—from refining job requirements to managing candidate experience, offer negotiation, and onboarding.
2. Narrow talent pool for Product Manager role
The Product Manager needed specific experience: B2C mobile app launches in fintech, ideally within the GCC market. This niche requirement made sourcing more complex.
3. Limited employer brand
As a new entrant in the market, the company lacked brand recognition. To attract top talent, we had to lead with the mission: building a fintech product from scratch, direct involvement with the CTO, and strong influence over architecture and product vision.
4. Language barrier
English proficiency (B2 and above) was a non-negotiable due to the international nature of the team and key stakeholders. This narrowed the funnel but ensured global readiness.
5. Market competitiveness and compensation
While Saudi Arabia is becoming a more attractive destination, some candidates had unrealistic salary expectations. We guided the client in refining the offer strategy and highlighting non-monetary motivators.
6. JD refinement and talent marketing
We co-created job descriptions to align with market expectations and enhance appeal: highlighting the remote flexibility, tech stack, growth trajectory, and hands-on product involvement.
We began with a precise direct search for core team roles—Product Manager and System Analyst—who would establish the foundational framework of the project. Then, we expanded to rapidly hire a full-stack development team:
- iOS Developer
- Android Developer
- DevOps Engineer
- Golang Developer
- Java Developer
- Python Developer
- System Analyst
- CTO
- CPO
- Chief Data Risk Officer
- Product Manager
Each candidate was assessed not only for technical expertise but also for adaptability, cross-functional collaboration, and experience in startup-like environments.
The full IT team was staffed in under two months. Senior hires were onboarded and immediately began work on the MVP. The team now operates as a fully functional unit within the client’s fintech initiative, collaborating across geographies and time zones to bring the platform to market.
Be-EXEC acted as more than just an executive search partner—we helped build the engine of a fintech startup from the ground up. Want to learn how we can do the same for your venture? Get in touch!
