Introduction of Client: U.S.-Based SportsTech Startup

Our client is a fast-growing U.S. SportsTech Startup that are blending sports, technology, and AI to reinvent how golf is learned, practiced, and enjoyed. Through advanced performance tracking, data analytics, and immersive training experiences, they are making high-level golf instruction accessible to enthusiasts of all skill levels. The company’s digital platform powers both web and mobile applications that connect players with coaching, swing analysis, and live simulator experiences – backed by real-time data and AI recommendations. They had a need to make a first high-caliber hire in Poland, a Director of Engineering, who will be a Site Leader in a new location for this startup.

Key Details about Our Partner – AI SportsTech Startup

  • Type of Company: AI-driven SportsTech Platform
  • Type of Business: B2C & B2B2C
  • Industry: Sports Technology / Artificial Intelligence
  • Headcount: 201-500 employees
  • Headquarters: California, United States
  • Duration of cooperation: 2025 – ongoing

The Main Challenge: Hiring a Director of Engineering with Web Full-Stack & Mobile Expertise

The startup urgently needed a Director of Engineering based in Poland to lead both their web and mobile development efforts. The role demanded a rare hybrid skill set across both front-end and back-end web technologies, along with hands-on experience in mobile app development. This individual would also need to operate at a strategic level – overseeing architecture decisions, scaling the product, and mentoring a distributed engineering teams.

Key requirements included:

  • Technical Breadth: Expert-level skills in React, Node.js, React Native, and Python knowledge
  • Leadership Experience: Proven success in leading engineering teams, preferably with prior experience as a CTO or similar leadership role in startups
  • Full Ownership: Ability to manage architecture, development cycles, and feature delivery across platforms
  • Remote-first: Poland-based, remote, with English fluency required.
  • Startup Mindset: Comfortable with fast-paced environments, hands-on leadership, and team scaling

The Solution Itentio IT Recruitment Delivered to AI SportsTech Startup

Following a focused 30-minute briefing session with the company’s co-founder, we moved quickly to define the ideal candidate profile and align expectations across technical scope, team structure, and compensation. We activated our network and deployed targeted outreach strategies to reach a niche talent pool that matched the startup’s high technical and leadership bar.

Our service approach included:

  • Talent Mapping & Consultation: Validated the availability of hybrid web/mobile leaders in Poland and advised on realistic timelines and compensation benchmarks
  • Job Description Writing: Crafted a concise, compelling job spec targeted at high-impact engineers ready for startup ownership.
  • Precision Sourcing: Focused only on candidates with demonstrated seniority across both web and mobile stacks, filtering for startup leadership experience
  • Screening & Candidate Briefing: Conducted deep-dive interviews to assess technical fit, leadership potential, and product ownership mentality
  • Candidate Reports: Delivered in-depth candidate’s profiles highlighting each candidate’s strengths, motivation, technical depth, and relevant leadership history
  • Interview Coordination: Facilitated direct scheduling between candidates and stakeholders in both Europe and the U.S.
  • Offer Process Support: Consulted on package structure and handled offer presentation and acceptance logistics swiftly.

The Results: Director of Engineering Hired in 16 Days

The recruitment process moved at exceptional speed and yielded high-impact results:

  • Time to Hire: 9 calendar days from profile submission to signed offer
  • Time to Fill: 16 calendar days from vacancy open to role closed
  • Qualified Candidates Submitted: 3 (three)
  • Submit-to-Interview Ratio: 100% (all 3 candidates interviewed)
  • Candidate Hired: A former startup CTO with full-stack and mobile expertise, based in Poland

What’s Next

Following this successful strategic hire of Director of Engineering, the company is exploring future expansion in Europe. Itentio continues to support their scaling efforts with top-tier tech recruitment across engineering, mobile and AI-related roles.

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