2024 is The Year to Assemble Your Dream Team

Founders, 2024 is the year to assemble your dream team.

The latest Carta data reveals a significant trend: both voluntary departures and layoffs at VC-backed startups are on the decline.

In March 2024, the total number of layoffs fell below 8,000 for the first time in nearly two years. This trend is expected to continue, signaling a BIG opportunity for founders. Now is the time to secure the best talent while it’s still predominantly a buyer's market.

This trend will likely continue. What this means for founders is now your chance to hire the best talent you possibly can before while it’s still (mostly) a buyer market for talent. The window to secure top-notch professionals will close as the job market stabilizes.

So, how do you recruit top talent?

Find a unique angle, for example many large companies are rolling back remote work options and demanding employees return to the office. This presents a strategic advantage for startups. Offering the flexibility of remote work can differentiate your company from larger, less flexible organizations and attract top talent who value this option.

Furthermore, the opportunity to work with the latest tools and technologies is a huge draw. While some companies have restricted the use of cutting-edge tools like AI, startups that promote their use can appeal to professionals eager to push the boundaries of what's possible. These candidates are often perfect fits for startups focused on innovative, groundbreaking work.

But the most crucial factor in attracting top talent, however, is the opportunity to make a significant impact. Since you will never outbid a tech giant or massively well-funded startup, you must stress their opportunity to make an impact. The best employees have options. Top talent is driven by the opportunity to contribute significantly. They want to do something they are proud of.

Remember, the strength of your startup doesn’t just come from great ideas or innovative products—it comes from the people who turn these ideas into reality.