Archer Search Partners Opens Doors
October 29, 2024 – Venture-backed executive search firm Archer Search Partners has been launched by Alexis DuFresne and Fraser Trimble, specializing in aligning human capital strategies with business goals for asset managers. The firm places investment and distribution professionals at alternative asset management firms. Clients include private equity, credit, and hedge fund firms. The firm also offers fractional human resources advisory and customized data and mapping services on a subscription basis.
“Recognizing a gap in the market, Archer Search Partners addresses an underserved segment of asset management clients who need focused recruitment support,” the search firm explained. “As most larger publicly traded search firms pivot to management consulting , Archer’s strategy is to go an inch wide and a mile deep, providing top-tier talent for highly specialized roles.”
“We’ve been around the block and have seen how traditional recruitment methods fall short in today’s fast-paced environment,” said Ms. DuFresne, CEO of Archer. “The larger search firms are focusing more on consulting fees than on search itself, and on quantity over quality clients, leaving a gap we’re uniquely positioned to fill. Archer tackles one of the industry’s biggest challenges: securing top talent amidst escalating competition, without overpaying or compromising on fit. Their data-driven, strategic process ensures successful placements that drive business growth and retention.”
“We’ve developed a model that not only helps our clients attract top talent but also ensures that the placements stick,” said Mr. Trimble, partner. “Our track record shows that the executives we place don’t just stay—they drive meaningful growth for the companies they join beyond the industries median tenure.”
Archer Search Partners is supported by Tempting Ventures, ag venture capital firm focused on the staffing and executive search industries. Tempting Ventures provides Archer with access to technology, back office support, and industry expertise.
“Alexis and Fraser share exceptional experience across their markets and identified a clear need for an agency like Archer,” said Ryan Cleland-Bogle, CEO of Tempting Ventures. “I’m thankful to bring them into our portfolio and am looking forward to working in partnership. It’s an exciting opportunity to be going after.”
Ms. DuFresne’s work spans executive search, team build outs, and strategy consulting. Her background as a former hedge fund and private equity marketer provides her with a technical understanding of the space, increases her ability to connect with both clients and candidates, and allows her to leverage her deep network of investors, marketers, and managers. Ms. DuFresne previously ran the alternatives asset management search practice at Whitney Partners and served in a similar capacity at Solomon Page as a managing director. She began her career in hedge fund recruitment at Broadreach Group. Before entering the search industry, Ms. DuFresne was in hedge fund manager due diligence at EIM, a former leading fund of funds, and marketing at Harbert Management, a diversified platform of alternatives managers.
Throughout his 18-year career, Mr. Trimble’s work has encompassed executive search, team buildouts, and strategy consulting across the asset management and investment banking landscapes. He has been recognized for searches in distribution and portfolio management across public and private alternative strategies. His former sell side search experience has been valuable to clients in asset management as he has sat at the intersection of bank disintermediation for over a decade Prior to co-founding Archer, Mr. Trimble spent 12 years at Whitney Partners, where he led senior level searches across the financial services industry. Previously, he spent six years at Solomon Page Group, where he covered sales and trading.
Recently Launched
In the past year, a handful of new search firms have been launched. Here’s a look at a recent sampling from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:
John Moon and Han Liou have launched executive search firm Miner Lake Partners. “I’m proud to announce Miner Lake Partners, an executive search firm focused on the building products and industrial industries,” Mr. Moon said in a LinkedIn post. “My business partner Han Liou and I are building this firm on a foundation rooted in execution and industry expertise. I’ve worked closely with Han in various capacities over the last 20 years. Our values have always been consistent – we have an unwavering commitment to our clients and are dedicated to being masters of our craft. We bring a unique, business-centric perspective to clients with a relentless commitment to quality, innovation, and results.”
Veteran search consultant Liesl Bernard has launched Kalon Executive Search and Staffing, a new health and wellness recruiting firm focused on the health, wellness, and beauty industries. The firm will concentrate on finding executive talent in all sectors in the market from CPG, food and beverage, vitamins and supplements, personal care, organics, and natural cosmetics. “For the last seven years, our team has been laser focused on establishing CannabizTeam – Executive Search and Staffing as the premier staffing firm exclusively focused on the cannabis industry,” Ms. Bernard said. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made: we have a database of more than 400,000 skilled workers, have placed thousands of candidates a year at companies across the U.S. and internationally and we offer a range of services – from executive search to temporary staffing to outplacement services.”
Veteran executive search consultant Ross Johnston recently launched Centric Search in the U.K. The firm focuses on founder-led, investor-backed technology companies recruit leadership team members at VP and C-level. Centric works with some of the fastest-growing technology vendors across Europe, typically partnering with companies from seed round through series C+. Hunt Scanlon Media recently asked Mr. Johnston about what led to the creation of his new firm and he pointed out two things. “Early-stage companies were caught in between – needing the quality of a top-tier search firm but the speed, flexibility, and more reasonable price point of a more contingent firm,” he said. “Centric solves this need and bridges this gap. Most search firms are not focused on this stage of growth – they are either functional specialists or big broad catch-all search firms and doing most of their work with later stage or public companies.”
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media