QED acquires FinTech Executive Search Company
Global venture capital firm QED Investors is acquiring boutique search firm Lingua Franca Search (LF Search), a startup specializing in placing FinTech and financial services professionals.
Purchased by LF Search, purchased for undisclosed terms, is consistent with QED’s investment strategy. The VC firm previously held a majority stake in LF Search and the move represents an increase in its stake, according to a press release on Friday (September 30).
“We founded LF Search in 2017 to fill the void in placing world-class credit and analytics talent in fintech and financial services,” QED Investors Managing Partner Nigel Morris said in the release.
“Over the past five years, it has placed a number of C-Suite executives and critical hires at some of the world’s best-known financial services brands. I couldn’t be more excited to bring LF Search further into the group and provide the portfolio companies our an internal resource to hire the talent they need to succeed, Morris added.
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LF Search has moved beyond its original focus on placing people in credit, risk, analytics and performance marketing roles. Over the past two years, its placement services have included executive positions in C-suite roles, including chief operating officer, chief financial officer, chief revenue officer and general counsel roles.
The startup has also placed people in mid- and mid-senior positions that report to higher-level C-suite roles, according to the press release.
“As someone who has been involved in the broader QED trajectory for the past decade, it gives me great excitement to have an opportunity to further serve QED’s portfolio companies and help each of them acquire world-class talent. We have a deep network of talent in risk, credit, digital, finance, operations, product, marketing, business development, strategy and legal,” said LF Search CEO Thomas King.
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“Whether we’re working with a pre-revenue fintech or established financial services provider, we bring our decades of industry and search experience to every search we perform. Our team is proud of the work we do, and we’re excited to help some of the world’s most innovative fintechs to recruit their most critical talent, King added.
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, LF Search has placed over 100 critical executive, senior and professional hires at globally recognized FinTech brands. Pursuant to the acquisition agreement with QED Investors, LF Search will continue to serve both QED portfolio companies as well as companies outside the QED orbit.
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