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How Upflow Overcame Hiring Issues with Bluebird’s SaaS Recruitment

Discover how Upflow accelerated growth by partnering with Bluebird. Learn how Bluebird’s unique approach to SaaS recruitment transformed Upflow’s hiring strategy.

How Upflow Overcame Hiring Issues with Bluebird’s SaaS Recruitment
Machiel Kunst
Machiel Kunst

Founder & CEO

“I literally lost nine months in my GTM in the US because of the mistake I made on the hiring side.”

Upflow, a cutting-edge B2B payments solution provider, faced a significant hurdle in their growth journey—finding the right sales leadership talent to drive their expansion from Series A to Series B funding. As Alex Louisy, CEO and Co-Founder of Upflow, shared that the urgency to address this challenge led Upflow to partner with Bluebird, a recruitment firm renowned for its specialised expertise in sales leadership.

The Hiring Challenge

Upflow’s rapid growth trajectory highlighted the critical need for a high-stakes hire— a VP of Sales who could navigate their transition from Series A to Series B funding effectively. Reflecting on their previous hiring misstep, Alex noted, “The problem that I was trying to solve was that I already made a mistake. I was letting go the initial Sales Director who was definitely not a good fit.”

 

This misalignment not only affected the company’s growth but also resulted in a significant loss of time and resources. “I literally lost nine months in my GTM in the US because of the mistake I made on the hiring side,” Alex explained.

 

Finding the Right Recruitment Partner

With the pressing need for a solution, Upflow turned to Bluebird, a recommendation from their advisor, who had been instrumental in shaping their B2B sales processes. “We got introduced by one of my investors and we had the chance for a year to work with [an advisor] on our B2B Sales processes,” Alex recalled.

 

This introduction was pivotal, as it led Upflow to Bluebird’s specialised recruitment services, known for their deep focus on sales leadership roles.

 

Read more tips about finding the right recruitment partner in our blog The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best SaaS Sales Recruitment Agency

Alex Louisy on his challenge in hiring the right VP of Sales in SaaS: How to find someone better than you.

The Bluebird Approach

Bluebird’s recruitment process was marked by speed, efficiency, and a deep understanding of Upflow’s specific needs. Alex appreciated the quick start and intensity of the process. “It was fast, that’s the most important thing. You got started really quick,” he said. Bluebird’s method ensured that Upflow was presented with a broad and high-quality pool of candidates, which was crucial for making an informed decision.

 

“With you there were a lot of candidates in the load region,” Alex observed. This high volume and quality of candidates allowed Upflow to avoid the pitfalls of a prolonged and ineffective search.

 

Building Trust and Ensuring Transparency

A key aspect of the partnership was the trust and transparency between Upflow and Bluebird. Alex valued the no-risk, straightforward approach that Bluebird provided. “We’ve built a relationship that was built on a trust agreement, rather than paperwork etc.

 

For me, it was just obvious because it seemed really good and it was really low financial risk,” he noted. This trust was vital for Upflow, as it allowed them to proceed with confidence, knowing they were in capable hands.

 

Navigating Challenges and Achieving Results

Throughout the engagement, Upflow faced some challenges, including a minor miscommunication regarding the compensation package. Despite this, the overall experience was positive. Alex praised the efficiency and effectiveness of Bluebird’s approach, stating, “The efficiency in terms of the global results we got was the best we could get.”

 

Read more about competitive compensation packages in our blog Understanding The Compensation Structure In SaaS Sales.

 

The speed of the recruitment process was particularly impressive. “You signed the contract on February 15th and I introduced [new VP of Sales] on February the 24th, so after nine days. I would probably say at least a month with a typical recruitment agency to get the right person in front of you,” Alex compared. This quick turnaround was instrumental in filling the crucial role and maintaining momentum in Upflow’s growth.

Alex Louisy on why he decided to work with Bluebird because speed and trust.

Final thoughts

Upflow’s collaboration with Bluebird demonstrates the significant impact that specialised recruitment services can have on a company’s growth. By addressing their hiring challenge with a dedicated partner, Upflow successfully navigated a critical phase of expansion.

 

Alex’s final advice to other companies? “If you’re ready to make that hire, just go and work with them.” Bluebird’s expertise and commitment to efficiency were key factors in Upflow’s successful hiring outcome, setting a new standard for their future recruitment efforts.

 

Need Help Yourself?

Are you looking to enhance your recruitment process and find top talent for your team? Reach out to Bluebird today to discover how our specialised approach can help you achieve your hiring goals.

 

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