Why Zeren? By Deya Demerdzhieva

Joining a new company is about finding a place where you can grow, thrive, and make a meaningful impact. For me, that place is ZEREN, and I’d like to share my perspective.

As an Associate on the Tech and Product Team, I had the privilege of experiencing both sides of the recruitment process. This unique perspective has given me a deeper appreciation for the role of ‘headhunters’ in the professional world.

My journey with ZEREN began when Paul Nicholls reached out to me with an opportunity. Initially, I approached it like any other recruiter’s InMail, politely declining the offer. At that time, I was comfortably situated in my career at an international executive search company, not actively seeking new opportunities. However, something about ZEREN caught my attention. It was their track record of supporting high-growth startup businesses I was already familiar with. Moreover, I noticed my LinkedIn network actively engaging with ZEREN’s posts, and that piqued my curiosity.

The interview process at ZEREN was a revelation.

It was characterized by genuine candidate care and a deep interest in my personality and work ethic. Meeting Paul Nicholls and Chris Batters, I was not only impressed by their vision for the Tech&Product Team but also the larger direction of ZEREN as a whole. They outlined a clear agenda for my personal growth within the team, and it was evident that ZEREN was an ambitious, fast-growing organisation. I also had the chance to interact with many of the company’s leadership team members, including Harry Lewis (Managing Director – UK) and Sistla Vaishnavi (Associate Director – Cyber Security, Infrastructure & Enterprise), which further reinforced the sense of warmth and collaboration within the organisation.

The diversity of the team, their extensive industry experience, expert recruitment knowledge, and impressive client portfolio made the opportunity too good to pass up. I felt that I could not only fit in with the team but also receive the support I needed for my own development. ZEREN’s success stories and client reach since its inception in 2018 is truly remarkable, and I saw this as the perfect opportunity to specialise in a niche area, build expertise, cultivate relationships, and establish my personal brand.

What truly surprised me, and in a delightful way, was the personality test presented before I joined. It was a proactive step to understand my strengths, weaknesses, communication style, learning patterns, and response to feedback. This practice not only enhances teamwork and communication but also reflects the company’s commitment to values and flexibility. Upon onboarding, I was thrilled to receive a clear set of expectations and a well-defined development plan for the next 3 months, along with an outlined trajectory for the subsequent 6-12 months in my role.

ZEREN’s unique position is a perfect blend of growth and learning opportunities. As part of the Renovata Group, ZEREN offers the best of both worlds – the dynamic culture of a startup and the stability and relationships of a business with over 20 years of experience, working with more than 50 of the top 100 private and growth equity firms worldwide.

What truly drew me to this role was the opportunity to work with some of the world’s most innovative tech businesses. ZEREN’s motto, ’empowering the world’s changemakers’, resonated deeply with me. Start-ups and tech companies are the driving force behind solving real-life problems, acting as disruptors, and making the world a better place. Venture Capital and Private Equity-backed startups and scale-ups rely on the best talent to achieve their goals, and in my role as an Associate, I provide research support, offering valuable insights into target landscapes and in-depth market intelligence to help them succeed in this highly competitive market.

I am truly excited to be part of a company that places such a strong emphasis on culture and creating a collaborative, ambitious working environment where the client’s needs are at the forefront. I look forward to personal and professional growth and contributing to the success of both my clients and ZEREN.

Exciting times are ahead, and I am thrilled to be a part of the journey! 🚀