The Kantic Standard

Four engagement models. Five evaluation frameworks. One threshold that every candidate must meet before reaching your shortlist.

Engagement Models & Pricing

Four Ways to Work with Kantic

Every stage of growth demands a different structure. Choose the model that fits where you are — and change it as you scale.

Founding Hires

15% Fee

On placement

Contingency

First 1–3 hires

Seed / Series A

Let's Talk

Let's Talk

Founding Hires

15% Fee

On placement

Contingency

First 1–3 hires

Seed / Series A

Let's Talk

Let's Talk

Scaling Hires

17% Fee

On placement

Contingency

Active pipelines

Series B+

Let's Talk

Let's Talk

Scaling Hires

17% Fee

On placement

Contingency

Active pipelines

Series B+

Let's Talk

Let's Talk

Executive Search

25–30%

1/3 upfront at kickoff, 1/3 at shortlist delivery, 1/3 at placement

Retained

All verticals

VP-level and above

Let's Talk

Let's Talk

Executive Search

25–30%

1/3 upfront at kickoff, 1/3 at shortlist delivery, 1/3 at placement

Retained

All verticals

VP-level and above

Let's Talk

Let's Talk

Embedded Partner

Custom

Monthly

Retainer

Based on scope and search volume

Ongoing multi-role hiring

Let's Talk

Let's Talk

Embedded Partner

Custom

Monthly

Retainer

Based on scope and search volume

Ongoing multi-role hiring

Let's Talk

Let's Talk

How We Evaluate Top Talent

The Truth Behind Every Shortlist

Five proprietary frameworks — one per Talent Vertical, plus Cultural Fit — each scored and threshold-based.

KAI — Kantic Agentic Intelligence Evaluation Suite

It assesses candidates across six pillars that map directly to production-grade agentic system requirements.

LLM Orchestration

Multi-Agent Frameworks

Autonomous Reasoning

Tool Use & Integration

State Management

Production Deployment

KGE — Kantic GenAI Evaluation Suite

KGE focuses on candidates who work closer to the model layer: training, fine-tuning, evaluation, and applied research.

Model Architecture Fluency

Applied ML Engineering

Product Thinking

Data Judgment

Evaluation & Iteration

Cross-functional Communication

KGM — Kantic GTM Evaluation Suite

The KGM evaluates GTM leaders at AI-native companies — VPs of Sales, Heads of Marketing, Revenue leaders, and Growth executives.

Commercial Architecture

Technical Fluency

Pipeline Discipline

Buyer Empathy

Team Building & Leadership

Resilience & Adaptability

KES — Kantic Executive Search Evaluation Suite

Evaluates the capacity to lead organizations through ambiguity, attract talent, represent the company externally, and make relevant decisions.

Strategic Vision

Organizational Leadership

Board & Stakeholder Communication

Scaling Experience

Cross-functional Influence

Self-awareness & Coachability

KCF — Cultural Fit Assessment

A structured behavioral assessment applied to every candidate regardless of vertical. Evaluates working style, values, and

Ownership Mindset

Ambiguity Tolerance

Intellectual Honesty

Collaboration Drive

Resilience Under Pressure

Founder Communication Fit

FAQs

Things Founders Ask Us

Straightforward answers to the questions that come up most before a first discovery call.

Who does Kantic work with?
What makes Kantic different from other recruiting firms?
What does the 14-day shortlist promise actually mean?
How does the dual-threshold evaluation work?
What is the difference between the four engagement models?
What happens if a placement does not work out?
Why is Executive Search retained-only?
Can Kantic help us define the role before we start sourcing?
How do you source candidates who are not actively looking?
How do I get started?
Who does Kantic work with?
What makes Kantic different from other recruiting firms?
What does the 14-day shortlist promise actually mean?
How does the dual-threshold evaluation work?
What is the difference between the four engagement models?
What happens if a placement does not work out?
Why is Executive Search retained-only?
Can Kantic help us define the role before we start sourcing?
How do you source candidates who are not actively looking?
How do I get started?
Have Questions?
Have Questions?

Reach out for any queries or assistance.

Reach out for any queries or assistance.

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Request Info

The Right Hire Changes Everything

The Right Hire Changes Everything

Tell us what stage you're at. We'll cover every layer — engineer to executive.

Book a Discovery Call

The Right Hire Changes Everything

Tell us what stage you're at. We'll cover every layer — engineer to executive.

Book a Discovery Call

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