New start-up hiring strategy: Making an offer you just can't refuse

Start-ups take unconventional routes to scout for talent - referrals, hackathons, social media posts and job boards

“You guys are a little too early for us. But apart from the money, how can I help you,” one of India’s top venture capitalists asked an entrepreneur in an impromptu investment pitch on the sidelines of a tech summit in Bengaluru recently. 

“We’re looking for a technologist. If he’s really good, we wouldn’t mind making him a partner in the business,” the entrepreneur responded. The VC immediately shared numbers of his associates and even typed out a mail introducing the founder to the head of human resources at his fund.

“They’ll help you find the person you need. You