Specialist search. Critical hires.
Phase2 Talent is an independent search practice working across AI infrastructure, AI and machine learning, trading and HFT, and go-to-market. We help ambitious businesses find the people who build the systems, run the infrastructure, trade the markets and take it all to market. We do it with focus, not volume.
About Phase2 Talent
We started Phase2 to do specialist search properly. With a clear market focus, direct conversations and a better understanding of what makes someone right for a role.
We’re not trying to recruit for everyone, in every sector. Our work sits across four connected areas: AI infrastructure, AI and machine learning, trading and HFT, and go-to-market. We understand the markets, identify people who are often not actively looking, and give clients a considered shortlist rather than a pile of CVs.
Phase2 is deliberately small and selective. We take on searches where we can add real value, stay close to the people making the decisions, and give every assignment proper attention. If a role sits outside our lane, we’ll say so.
Four specialisms. One focused approach.
We focus on four connected talent markets: AI infrastructure, AI and machine learning, trading and HFT, and go-to-market. Each has its own hiring challenges, and we take on searches where we understand the market and can add real value.
AI Infrastructure
Teams building and running the compute, data centres and networks behind AI, where reliability and execution matter.
Roles: AI Infrastructure Engineers, GPU Cluster and HPC Engineers, Network Engineers, Data Centre and Critical Facilities Leaders, Commissioning and Project Delivery.
Learn moreAI & Machine Learning
Teams building AI products and capabilities, from applied machine learning to the systems that take models into production.
Roles: AI Engineers, Machine Learning Engineers, Applied Scientists, ML Platform Specialists and AI Leadership.
Learn moreTrading & HFT
Trading firms and systematic funds building the low latency systems, research and teams behind their strategies.
Roles: Low Latency Developers, Quantitative Researchers, Quantitative Developers, Quantitative Traders, FPGA Engineers and Trading Technology Leaders.
Learn moreGo-to-Market
Commercial teams responsible for taking technology to market, winning customers, building partnerships and turning growth plans into revenue.
Roles: Enterprise Sales, Business Development, Strategic Partnerships, Product Marketing, Demand Generation and Revenue Operations.
Learn moreWe’re not a generalist agency covering every role in every sector. We concentrate on these specialist markets and the people who have a direct impact on technical capability, trading performance, commercial growth or critical infrastructure.
A search model that fits the hire.
Different hires call for different approaches. We’ll recommend the right model based on the role, the market and the level of search support you need.
Retained Search
A focused, exclusive search for a business-critical or hard-to-fill role. We map the relevant market, engage people directly and manage the process through to offer.
Best for: leadership and other roles you only get one shot at.
Contingency Search
A straightforward option for selected roles where a success-based model makes sense. We approach relevant talent directly and you pay when you hire a candidate we introduce.
Best for: individual roles that are less senior or less time-critical.
Embedded Recruiting
Flexible recruitment support for a defined hiring need, working closely with your team and process to deliver agreed roles or a specific hiring project.
Best for: a hiring push after a funding round or a new contract win, or building out a whole function at once.
How a search actually works.
Clear brief, targeted market work and honest communication from first conversation to final decision.
We learn the role properly
We get close to the hiring brief, the team and the business context. We clarify what success looks like, which skills matter and where flexibility exists before approaching the market.
We go direct, not inbound
We identify and approach relevant people directly, including those who aren’t actively applying. The search is built around the brief, not whoever happens to be available.
You see a short, real list
You get a considered shortlist with a clear rationale for each introduction, not a stack of CVs that creates more work for your team.
We stay in it through the offer
We stay involved through interviews, feedback, offer discussions and closing, helping both sides make an informed decision.
We partner with businesses hiring across AI infrastructure, AI and machine learning, trading and HFT, and go-to-market, particularly for niche or business-critical roles.
Good opportunities start with a relevant conversation.
A real conversation first
We’ll contact you when there’s a role that genuinely aligns with your experience and what you want next. Your details are never shared without your permission.
We'll tell you if it's not right
We’ll be straight with you about the role, team, package and expectations. If it doesn’t look right, we’ll tell you rather than try to sell it.
You meet the decision-maker early
We aim to make the process purposeful and give you a clear view of the team and decision-makers early on.
We stick around for the offer
We stay close through offer, compensation and timing discussions, helping you assess the opportunity and manage the process properly.
Open to hearing about the right role, if one comes up?
Introduce Yourself →Common questions.
What does Phase2 Talent do?
Phase2 Talent is an independent specialist search firm across AI infrastructure, AI and machine learning, trading and HFT, and go-to-market. We work with businesses where the right technical, quantitative or commercial hire can make a material difference.
Why these four areas?
We focus on four connected talent markets rather than recruiting across technology as a whole: AI infrastructure, AI and machine learning, trading and HFT, and go-to-market. That focus helps us understand the talent landscape and reach people who are relevant to the brief.
What regions does Phase2 Talent cover?
We’re based in Hong Kong and work across APAC and EMEA, supporting selected searches internationally where the brief and market fit.
What's the difference between retained, contingency, and embedded search?
Retained is a dedicated, exclusive search for a single role. Contingency has no upfront commitment, you only pay if you hire one of our candidates. Embedded means we work inside your team for a fixed period, running a high volume of hiring.
What kind of roles do you recruit for?
AI infrastructure and data centre roles, AI and machine learning roles, trading and HFT roles including low latency developers and quantitative researchers, and go-to-market roles across sales, partnerships, marketing and revenue operations.
How do candidates get approached?
We approach people directly when there’s a credible fit with a specific opportunity. No indiscriminate messages or adding people to a database for the sake of it.
How do I get in touch?
Email rob@phase2talent.com or use the contact form on this page, and we'll reply within one business day.
Tell us about the hire.
A role to fill, a hiring plan taking shape or a move you’re considering. Share a little context and we’ll get back to you within one business day.
rob@phase2talent.com
Unit 2904-05, 29/F, Universal Trade Centre3 Arbuthnot Road, Central
Hong Kong S.A.R. Follow on LinkedIn