Scaling Macrocosmos AI/ML Team

The Challenge

Macrocosmos, an innovative AI/ML company leveraging the Bittensor protocol, needed to rapidly scale their technical team to capitalize on emerging opportunities in decentralized AI. With only 4 engineers, they were struggling to meet market demand and execute on their ambitious product roadmap.

Key Challenges:

• Niche Expertise: Finding engineers with Bittensor protocol knowledge and decentralized AI experience
• Rapid Scaling: Growing from 4 to 25 people while maintaining quality and culture
• Market Competition: Competing with well-funded AI companies for top talent
• Technical Complexity: Requiring deep expertise in both AI/ML and blockchain technologies
• Remote Team: Building a distributed team across multiple time zones

Our Approach

We deployed a specialized recruitment strategy focused on the intersection of AI/ML and decentralized technologies, leveraging our network of blockchain-native AI engineers.

Discovery Phase (Week 1)

• Conducted deep-dive sessions with founders and technical leads
• Analyzed Bittensor protocol requirements and technical stack
• Identified key roles: ML Engineers, Protocol Engineers, Research Scientists
• Established cultural values and remote work requirements
• Created targeted sourcing strategy for niche talent pool

Sourcing & Screening (Weeks 2-6)

• Activated network of 500+ blockchain AI professionals
• Targeted engineers from Bittensor ecosystem and related projects
• Engaged candidates from AI research labs with blockchain interest
• Conducted technical screens focused on distributed systems and ML
• Presented 60+ qualified candidates across all roles

Evaluation & Integration (Weeks 7-10)

• Coordinated technical interviews with protocol experts
• Facilitated pair programming sessions and code reviews
• Assessed cultural fit for remote-first environment
• Managed offer negotiations and onboarding logistics
• Provided integration support for distributed team

Continuous Support (Weeks 11-12)

• Conducted 30-day check-ins with all new hires
• Facilitated team building and knowledge sharing sessions
• Provided ongoing recruitment support for additional roles
• Monitored team dynamics and cultural integration

Results

Quantitative Impact

• 21 successful hires in 3 months (525% team growth)
• £270K cost savings compared to traditional recruitment agencies
• 95% offer acceptance rate with minimal counteroffers
• 60+ qualified candidates sourced and screened
• 100% retention at 6-month mark

Qualitative Outcomes

• Product Velocity: Development speed increased by 400% within 4 months
• Market Position: Successfully launched 3 new protocol features
• Technical Excellence: Team published 5 research papers on decentralized AI
• Community Impact: Became leading contributor to Bittensor ecosystem
• Funding Success: Team strength contributed to successful funding round

Team Composition

ML Engineers (8 hires)

• 3 from blockchain AI startups
• 2 from traditional AI companies (transitioning to Web3)
• 2 from research institutions
• 1 from Bittensor community

Protocol Engineers (7 hires)

• 3 from other blockchain protocols
• 2 from distributed systems companies
• 2 from AI infrastructure startups

Research Scientists (4 hires)

• 2 from university AI labs
• 1 from decentralized AI research group
• 1 from traditional AI research lab

DevOps & Infrastructure (2 hires)

• 1 from blockchain infrastructure company
• 1 from cloud AI platforms

Client Testimonial

"Sherpa understood our unique needs at the intersection of AI and blockchain. They didn't just fill positions - they helped us build a world-class team that's driving innovation in decentralized AI. The speed and quality of hires exceeded all expectations."

Founder & CEO, Macrocosmos

Key Success Factors

1. Niche Network: Deep connections in blockchain AI community
2. Technical Understanding: Team's expertise in both AI/ML and distributed systems
3. Speed & Scale: Parallel recruitment across multiple roles
4. Cultural Alignment: Focus on remote-first, community-driven culture
5. Market Knowledge: Understanding of Bittensor ecosystem and compensation trends

Long-term Impact

Six months after the successful placements:

• Macrocosmos became a top-3 contributor to Bittensor protocol
• Team expanded further to 35 people
• Successfully launched decentralized AI marketplace
• Secured strategic partnerships with major AI companies
• Company recognized as leader in decentralized AI space

Ready to scale your AI team like Macrocosmos? Contact us to discuss your hiring needs.