Ayasdi Case Study

Company Background

Original Requirements

Why was Oakstone the best choice?

How has Oakstone successfully delivered?

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Company Background

Ayasdi, an advanced analytics company, offers a machine intelligence platform and intelligent applications to its clients across the world. The company enables its users to solve their big data and complex data analytics challenges and to automate formerly manual processes using their unique data. Its machine intelligence platform combines scalable computing and big data infrastructure with machine learning, statistical and geometric algorithms, and topological data analysis to increase its productivity. The company’s clientele is comprised of Global 500 corporations, governments, and scientific research institutions. It is licensed on an annual subscription basis.

Original Requirements

What were Ayasdi’s original requirements in finding a recruitment partner to assist them to land and expand into EMEA?

Ayasdi approached Oakstone after hiring their first person in Europe; Regional Vice President EMEA. They wanted to build their team of sales, presales and professional services quickly and efficiently, which is something that Oakstone had the experience of doing.

Why was Oakstone the best choice?

Oakstone were the best choice because of our experience in assisting Data, Big Data and AI Domain companies expand into EMEA. Notably Splunk; within 3 years, Oakstone had assisted Splunk’s growth from 7 to 120+ people, helping them become a hugely successful company. Oakstone has also worked with multiple other US-based companies, which had no network in EMEA, successfully assisting their expansion.

How has Oakstone successfully delivered?

Oakstone worked on several retained roles successfully hiring sales, presales and professional services talent throughout EMEA. Due to Oakstone’s strong network and experience we were able to identify the right people at the right time.

• How do US-based AI companies expand their sales teams into EMEA?

  US AI and analytics companies expanding into Europe typically need local enterprise GTM talent across sales, presales, and professional services. Specialist executive search partners help identify candidates quickly, particularly when the company has little existing network or brand recognition in-region.

• Why is hiring enterprise talent in AI and big data such a niche market?

  AI and advanced analytics hiring requires candidates who understand both complex technology and enterprise buying environments. The overlap between technical credibility and commercial execution is limited, making proactive headhunting essential.

• How does executive search help SaaS companies with no existing European network?

  For US companies entering Europe for the first time, executive search firms act as an extension of the business providing regional knowledge, market access, and the ability to engage high-quality talent unfamiliar with the company.