Executive search · AI & Web3

The operators behind the people
building AI and Web3.

We map the talent market for frontier AI labs, model companies, crypto exchanges and Web3 infra. You see three to five names. You hire one.

Where we recruit

AI LabsFoundation ModelsCrypto ExchangesL1/L2 InfraDeFiQuant Funds

Focused exclusively

on AI and Web3 executive search

Success-based —

paid on the outcome, no retainer

Verified

candidates — track record, code, on-chain

China · SG · US

cross-border placement bridge

Talent placed at

DeepSeek
MiniMax
PIN AI
Binance
High-Flyer

Selected clients across frontier AI labs, model companies, crypto exchanges and quant funds

Why YL Strategy

The rigor of executive search, none of the theater.

Most roles never hit a job board.

The AI leadership market moves through networks, not applications.

We stand behind every name we send.

Three to five people you can actually hire — each one personally vetted.

A few searches at a time,

by design. Each mandate gets a partner from start to finish.

How we work

Three steps.

01

The brief

A working session, not a form. We leave with the real role, the must-haves and the range.

We don't ask for a JD. We build it with you.

02

The shortlist

We map the market, meet every candidate ourselves, and check references before you see a name.

Three to five people you can actually hire.

03

The hire

We stay through the interviews, the offer and the first weeks.

We stand behind every name we send.

Where we operate

Talent placed at category leaders.

Frontier AI, model companies, crypto exchanges, on-chain infra and quant. Some names withheld under confidentiality.

How we work
01Frontier large-language-model companyProduct & engineering leadership
02Leading China-based AI labAI research & engineering
03Top-5 global crypto exchangeRevenue & GTM leadership
04Global digital-assets exchangeSenior engineering & growth
05Voice-AI scale-upGTM & revenue leadership
06On-device AI start-upEngineering & product mandates
07Humanoid robotics & AI companyRobotics & AI engineering
08Top quant & AI research firmQuant research & AI leadership

Some names withheld under confidentiality.

Elite recruiting is not sending résumés. It's knowing who to call on a Tuesday at nine — and why they'll pick up.
Nora · Founder, YL Strategy · 10+ years placing operators in AI & Web3

A 30-minute call. If it's a fit, we begin — discreetly.