Deep Tech

Powering the team behind the innovation

Get ready to scale
Strategic hiring for growth
Scaling high performance

We partner with the deep tech pioneers that are redefining tomorrow.

From hiring to leadership, we help R&D-led companies build teams that scale ideas into impact.

We help accelerate success by building the capability, structure, and leadership teams need to grow. That means recruiting the right people - those who bring both expertise and the mindset to thrive in complexity from early innovation through to commercialisation. It means designing a structure that aligns with your ambition, so everyone knows where they’re headed and how to get there. And it means investing in leadership and team effectiveness, so your people can make decisions, work through conflict, and lead with clarity as the business grows.

Case studies

“We had a burning bridge and we needed to get talent on board really quickly. We weren’t making necessary progress.”

Michael Maunsell, CEO, NILO

“I had the opportunity to work with Fleur during my recruitment into the CEO role at Captivate Technology, and the experience stood out from the very beginning. Fleur has a genuine ability to connect with people. She takes the time to understand who you are, not just what’s written on a CV, and brings a level of insight into the process that makes the conversations meaningful and grounded. What impressed me most was the way she ran the process. It was structured, transparent, and thoughtful throughout. I was never left second-guessing where things stood. The experience was professional, honest, and refreshingly straightforward. Fleur also brings a strong understanding of the businesses she represents. She clearly invests time in understanding the strategy, leadership dynamics, and what success in the role actually looks like. That allows her to provide practical advice and guidance rather than simply acting as an intermediary. Even after the placement, the relationship hasn’t ended. Fleur continues to be someone I value for perspective and support, which says a lot about the way she approaches her work and the relationships she builds. I would highly recommend Fleur to boards and executives considering their next move.”

Lauren Salisbury, Chief Executive Officer, Captivate Technology

“I could not do what I do, without what you do.”

Stephen Armstrong, COO of Tectonus

Check our track record

From urgent need to strategic growth: NILO’s people journey

NILO's scalable technology converts problematic waste plastic into a reusable, low-energy binding agents which are used to make safer and environmentally friendly products.

“We had a burning bridge and we needed to get talent on board really quickly. We weren’t making necessary progress.”

Michael Maunsell, CEO, NILO

Problem

Following a recent capital injection and an urgent need to recruit hard-to-find talent, NILO turned to Sprout. What began as a partnership to secure ambitious problem solvers for their bold goals has since evolved into an embedded Head of People function.

Solution

This was never about a single hire. It was about designing a long-term talent strategy to support NILO’s bold ambitions. Together, we developed a comprehensive recruitment approach that defined how NILO attracts, engages, and evaluates top-tier talent. This included crafting ideal candidate profiles, setting salary benchmarks, simplifying the application process, and building a strong talent pipeline for future growth. It also involved defining NILO’s vision, values, organisational structure and continually working with the team to ensure a bold and innovative culture.

Outcome

Through this partnership, we’ve set the people foundations for scale and established NILO’s R&D function - securing high-impact team leaders and deeply specialised expertise that are now propelling the business toward scalable innovation.

“NILO is on a pathway to substantial growth, and Sprout is a crucial partner to achieve that growth.

Michael Maunsell, CEO, NILO

Visit NILO

Captivate Technology Case Study: First CEO hire for founder led startup

Captivate Technology is a deep tech start up that’s developed a novel materials technology designed to capture carbon from industrial emissions.

“I had the opportunity to work with Fleur during my recruitment into the CEO role at Captivate Technology, and the experience stood out from the very beginning. Fleur has a genuine ability to connect with people. She takes the time to understand who you are, not just what’s written on a CV, and brings a level of insight into the process that makes the conversations meaningful and grounded. What impressed me most was the way she ran the process. It was structured, transparent, and thoughtful throughout. I was never left second-guessing where things stood. The experience was professional, honest, and refreshingly straightforward. Fleur also brings a strong understanding of the businesses she represents. She clearly invests time in understanding the strategy, leadership dynamics, and what success in the role actually looks like. That allows her to provide practical advice and guidance rather than simply acting as an intermediary. Even after the placement, the relationship hasn’t ended. Fleur continues to be someone I value for perspective and support, which says a lot about the way she approaches her work and the relationships she builds. I would highly recommend Fleur to boards and executives considering their next move.”

Lauren Salisbury, Chief Executive Officer, Captivate Technology

Problem

The technology had progressed from laboratory development to a demonstration model, and as the company prepared for its next stage of growth, the Founder and board decided to appoint a CEO. At the same time, the founder transitioned into the role of CTO, creating the need to build a strong leadership team around a CEO, CTO, CCO (Commercial).

The CEO needed the experience to scale the company from demonstration to commercial deployment. Equally important was capability in capital raising, investor relations, and the commercialisation of technology. The role required an entrepreneurial, resilient leader with strong financial and business development capability, a collaborative leadership style, and a genuine motivation to drive growth - fast. The fit between the founder and CEO was critical.

Solution

We conducted a global search, intentionally remaining open to candidates from a range of industries rather than requiring identical experience. Using a structured evaluation matrix and collaborative interview process we refined the key capabilities required for success and assessed candidates against these criteria.

Outcome

The process ultimately resulted in the appointment of a CEO who brings a strong commercial perspective to complement the scientific foundation of the business, positioning the company to successfully scale its technology and deliver impact in the global decarbonisation effort.

The right leader at the right time: Supporting the next stage of growth for Tectonus

Tectonus is an innovative New Zealand company specializing in advanced manufacturing and seismic solutions. After years of steady development and low project volume, they secured a pipeline of significant new orders, pushing growth beyond their current operational capacity.

“I could not do what I do, without what you do.”

Stephen Armstrong, COO of Tectonus

Problem

Following years of innovation, development and low levels of projects, Tectonus secured future order opportunities that meant their growth was about to accelerate beyond their capability to deliver. Sprout was engaged to gain clarity of their current teams roles, responsibilities and capabilities. This process identified that to deliver on the commitments, they needed to hire for experience - a leader who had experience and skills in delivering at a much higher volume and complexity.

Solution

Through our networks of manufacturing and deep tech experts, we were able to identify a COO who could help them scale. We had to move fast while thinking long-term - taking care to find the right fit with the team and leaders. Tectonus now has a COO in place at a crucial time, ensuring they have the systems, structure and people in their operations and supply chain to deliver.

Outcome

Tectonus now has the expertise to enable them to push through a challenging stage of growth, and to build their capability for the future.

Visit Tectonus

"Sprout’s advice and guidance has significantly shaped our culture and future growth. They have shown us to look forward, and we use their advice and work daily. From the outset, their adaptability, speed and startup mentality set them apart, along with their honest, open, and trusted relationship."

Zarina Bazoeva
Founder, Neocrete

"NILO is on a pathway to substantial growth, and Sprout is a crucial partner to achieve that growth."

Michael Maunsell
CEO, NILO

"Sprout has taken the time and trouble to really get to know our company, what we are trying to achieve and what we need to make that happen. On the basis of this preparation, the candidates Sprout find and put forward for our consideration, have been well selected to streamline the recruitment process from our perspective - maximising the chance of successful recruitment while minimising demands on our time and resources. Between us we don't always get it (recruitment) right, but together we learn from our shortcomings, seeking to continuously improve the process and the outcome."

Simon Oakley
CTO, NILO

Scaling R&D

01 Get ready to scale

We help R&D-led businesses get ready to scale by building the foundations investors look for - clear direction, the right structure, and a plan for growing great people. Through clarity sessions, we help founders articulate their vision, values, and strategy in ways that align teams and attract the right talent. Our organisational design work ensures the structure, roles, and leadership are built for future growth. It’s practical support that helps you move faster, work better together, and show investors you’ve thought deeply about how to scale the team behind the tech.

Case Study: Captivate Tech More On Org Design

02 Strategic hiring for growth

We work differently because deep tech demands it. In addition to capability, you’re hiring for mindset, adaptability, and alignment with your mission. We understand the nuances of this space: the need for people who can span research and commercial thinking, thrive in ambiguity, and scale with you. We work with you to clarify what really matters, translate complex needs into clear briefs, and attract candidates who are in it for the long game. Recruitment built for the realities of deep tech growth.

More On Recruitment More on hiring in deep tech

03 Scaling high performance

Now that you’ve got the team you need, it’s time to invest in them as leaders. As technical teams grow, so does the need for clear communication, effective collaboration, and leadership that goes beyond technical expertise. We help emerging and experienced leaders build the skills they need to guide teams, influence across the business, and make confident decisions. Using practical tools and hands-on working sessions, we support teams to understand themselves and each other, reduce friction, and work more effectively together, creating the conditions for high performance and sustained growth.

More on leveling up leaders More on culture

Let's solve your challenges today

We’re here to help. Tell us about your business and we’ll be in touch to explore what’s right for your team. We’ll be in touch within 24 hours for a no pressure conversation.