.svg "Braintrust")
When Rhino AI, an AI startup founded just 18 months ago, experienced a rapid increase in customer demand, their small, scrappy team of three knew they needed to scale—and fast.
But as EVP Operations Rob Ellis explained, finding high-quality, affordable talent at speed was a serious challenge. After trying traditional hiring channels and platforms like Upwork, they struggled to secure reliable, skilled candidates who could hit the ground running. "We needed more horsepower; we tried Upwork, but we didn’t get the sense we were a priority."
Without the resources to take on a lengthy talent search, Rhino AI’s partners at Deel, who handle their Employer of Record (EOR) services, suggested they try Braintrust. Almost immediately, they saw the difference. Rhino AI instantly connected with Braintrust’s customer support team to understand their needs, and got plugged into their global talent base, which offered high-quality, specialized skills at an affordable rate and, most importantly, a rapid time-to-fill. For a fast-moving AI startup, this was exactly what they needed.
"We were blown away by the high-quality global talent, unique skillsets, low cost, and quick time to fill. It’s critical for a small, scrappy startup like us” said Rob.
The Solution: Braintrust’s Global Talent Network
Over the past year, Rhino AI has hired a total of several developers through Braintrust. Rob notes one of the biggest benefits of working with Braintrust has been the ability to engage talent on a contract basis before making them full-time employees. “It’s the best of both worlds. With Braintrust, we can test the fit on a six-month contract. 95% of our Braintrust hires have converted to full-time.”
This flexibility has been essential for Rhino AI, allowing them to scale their team dynamically, reduce risks associated with direct hiring, and ensure each team member aligns with their company’s vision.
"Braintrust is Helping Make Rhino.ai What It Is"
Working with Braintrust has transformed Rhino AI’s hiring process. Rob describes the partnership as a "set-it-and-forget-it relationship," thanks to Braintrust’s transparent, streamlined approach to talent acquisition. "Braintrust is our recruiting arm. They make it easy, smooth, and are always there when we need them. I view Braintrust as a true partner."
The partnership with Braintrust has allowed Rhino AI to focus on what they do best—developing innovative AI solutions for their clients. And as Rob reflects, the impact of Braintrust on Rhino AI’s growth has been invaluable. "Braintrust is making Rhino what it is. They’ve made scaling our team fast, affordable, and effective in a way that would have been difficult to achieve with other solutions."
AI Adds Even Greater Efficiency
Most recently, Rhino AI started utilizing Braintrust’s new AI-powered recruiting tool, Braintrust AIR, which automates the initial screening and matching process for even greater efficiency.
When asked how Braintrust AIR has changed their recruitment process Rob said, “It’s really impressive. The transition has been seamless. It’s very good at asking the right questions, it doesn’t sleep, and it’s providing us with cost savings.”
Rhino AI’s experience exemplifies how Braintrust’s unique approach to global talent sourcing, plus AI enabled technology supports ambitious startups with high-quality, affordable, and flexible hiring solutions. For Rhino AI, Braintrust is more than just a hiring platform—it’s a crucial partner in their journey to becoming a leader in AI innovation.
Ready to revolutionize your hiring process? Contact Braintrust today to learn more.
