A Poole-based executive search firm has capped a remarkable debut year by generating seven-figure revenue (USD) and appointing a North America Managing Director based in San Francisco’s Bay Area, all from its roots on the south coast of England.
Strong Search Limited, founded by Andy Strong, specialises in placing go-to-market (GTM) leadership and teams for high-growth B2B SaaS companies worldwide. The firm launched from a garden shed with no brand, no pipeline, and no external funding – and has since grown into a global search partner operating across EMEA, North America, and APAC.
The company’s first-year numbers tell a compelling story:
- Seven-figure USD revenue from a standing start
- 39 placements completed with 100% retention through probation – not a single failed hire
- 100% delivery rate on all retained and exclusive searches
- An average of just 12 days from instruction to qualified shortlist
- Clients include five Gartner Magic Quadrant-leading SaaS companies
- 5-star Google reviews and 100% client satisfaction
The firm recently appointed Larry Sanford as Managing Director, North America. Sanford brings over two decades of senior experience at US enterprise SaaS giants including Coupa, Icertis, Yahoo, and Clari, and will build Strong Search’s US team from the Bay Area. The appointment takes the combined SaaS hiring experience across the Strong Search leadership team to over 70 years.
“We started this business with a blank page and a belief that GTM hiring in SaaS deserved better,” said Andy Strong, founder. “To close year one with these numbers, these clients, and this team is something I’m genuinely proud of. But what matters most is that every single hire we made is still in post. That’s the standard we set, and that’s the standard we’ll keep.”
Strong Search was featured in the International Business Times in its first year and recently launched a podcast hosting unfiltered conversations with SaaS leaders. The firm has also moved from its original garden shed setup into a new permanent headquarters.
With Larry Sanford now leading North American operations and further expansion planned, the firm says year two will bring significant new announcements for both the business and the Dorset region.
