Co-hosted with Remote and Startup Network Europe, we gathered an incredible group of tech and people leaders for an intimate morning breakfast roundtable 🥐 ☕ 🥪 on November 13 , diving deep into what it takes to scale tech teams in high-growth environments without losing quality or cohesion.

We were joined by Walter Heck - Co-Founder & CTO of Helixiora BV, Martijn Handels, CTO at Helin, and Meghna Singh, VP of People at Axelera AI.

Together, they painted a picture of today’s hiring landscape, the evolving needs of tech talent, and creative solutions that are helping companies stay competitive.

Here are some key insights and takeaways:

The battle for tech talent is real

Tech professionals are in high demand, and with Big Tech offering sky-high salaries, smaller companies have to get creative to attract top talent. They’re focusing on more than just paychecks—think inspiring company culture, opportunities for growth, and a clear vision that makes joining the team feel exciting and meaningful.

What tech talents are really looking for

Today’s workforce is after more than just a salary. They want purpose-driven work that aligns with their values, plus perks like wellness support, mental health resources, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real impact. Purpose and social responsibility? Absolutely essential.

Building a winning culture

A positive, engaging company culture is key to attracting and retaining great people. This means sticking to core values, avoiding office politics, and handling those “genius jerks” we’ve all encountered. Leaders who supports open feedback and collaboration build cultures that people actually want to be part of.

Engineering culture matters, big time

Keeping a healthy engineering culture takes intention: regular learning time, team gatherings, clear performance expectations, and quick action when things go off track. A strong engineering environment keeps teams motivated and performing at their best.

Getting creative with hiring

With everyone competing for the same talent, companies are stepping up with unique perks, global hiring, and flexible roles for freelancers. The takeaway? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution-each company has to find its own winning formula for attracting talent.

Finding the right balance: In-house vs outsourcing

Outsourcing can be helpful for filling temporary gaps, but if tech is central to your business, an in-house team brings long-term value. Freelancers can handle specific projects, but the best teams keep a long-term perspective, focusing on cultural fit and continuity.

The discussion left us all with a renewed sense of how essential it is to adapt hiring practices to the realities of today’s market and the priorities of tomorrow’s talent. Scaling tech teams is more than a numbers game; it’s about building workplaces where people can grow, connect, and make an impact.

Excited to see where this journey takes us! 🚀