PlantingSpace – niche tech recruitment for Swiss data science startup

Nikoloz Khotcholava

Last updated on October 22, 2025 | 14 min read

Introduction

PlantingSpace, a Swiss startup in artificial intelligence and data science, aimed to build a knowledge representation system that addressed uncertainty in complex data. To achieve this, the company needed to scale its team with engineers fluent in Julia programming and advanced academic knowledge in mathematics and statistics. Meeting investor milestones required rapid progress, making timely recruitment a business priority.

The challenge was scarcity. Specialists with this combination of expertise were nearly impossible to find through conventional channels, since Julia developers with doctoral research backgrounds form a very limited global pool. After prolonged failed attempts, PlantingSpace turned to DevsData LLC, whose tailored recruitment methods secured qualified experts and kept the project on track.

Client overview

Founded in Switzerland, PlantingSpace is a research and development company focused on building advanced knowledge systems. Its headquarters serve as the base for a mission to make complex information more accessible and reliable by combining data science with practical artificial intelligence applications.

Key specializations include:

• Development of AI-driven systems that structure and connect large volumes of information.
• Research on methods that reduce manual data handling and improve clarity in automated decision-making.
• Development of platforms that turn research findings into accessible knowledge for organizations.

PlantingSpace operates as a remote-first organization with an asynchronous structure that emphasizes co-ownership among team members. This model replaces traditional hierarchies with goal-oriented collaboration, allowing responsibilities to shift according to project demands. The company employs a distributed team of 20-30 researchers and engineers across Europe, positioning itself for continued growth within the artificial intelligence and data science sectors.

Project scope and objectives

PlantingSpace engaged DevsData LLC to transform its recruitment into a structured process that could deliver results at speed. The mandate involved building a pipeline of highly qualified candidates, ensuring evaluation accuracy, and developing a sustainable strategy for filling roles associated with advanced research. This was not limited to sourcing profiles but required a complete redesign of how candidates were identified, tested, and selected for Julia Engineers with PhD-level expertise in mathematics or statistics. Their responsibilities included developing probabilistic reasoning modules, optimizing Julia code for performance, and supporting research workflows in knowledge representation systems.

The scope included constructing a technical assessment that combined real coding tasks with problem-solving in advanced statistical modeling. DevsData LLC was also tasked with analyzing market data to adjust compensation offers, making the roles competitive across Europe. Another part of the mandate was cultural alignment: ensuring shortlisted applicants could function effectively in PlantingSpace’s collaborative, self-directed environment.

The client expected all essential positions to be staffed within less than a month, a challenging timeline given the need for candidates with exceptional specialization and proven research credentials. At the same time, the engagement was designed to leave behind a repeatable system for future hires. Achieving these goals would secure immediate technical progress while giving PlantingSpace a long-term advantage in accessing rare expertise in European artificial intelligence and data science.

Challenges and constraints

PlantingSpace’s recruitment needs proved demanding due to the rarity of required expertise and the pressure of strict delivery schedules. DevsData LLC identified the primary barriers early and implemented targeted measures to address them. The core challenges and their solutions are outlined below.

These constraints called for a recruitment partner experienced in solving near-impossible hiring challenges, combining urgency with a highly selective evaluation process. DevsData LLC’s tailored approach enabled PlantingSpace to meet urgent deadlines while securing the rare expertise needed to keep research moving forward.

Strategic recruitment approach

DevsData LLC structured the search with a regional lens. The initial focus remained within Switzerland, but the team quickly expanded to neighboring EU countries with active Julia research circles. Priority was given to academic institutions producing relevant publications, as well as organizations known for statistical modeling and probabilistic programming. This approach balanced proximity with access to a wider pool of qualified talent.

The sourcing strategy relied on multiple, carefully chosen channels. Recruiters reached out through academic networks, alumni groups, and specialist communities where advanced programming and mathematics intersected. Candidate discovery also included scanning repositories for contributions to Julia packages, supplemented by targeted referrals from trusted contacts. Combined, these pipelines delivered both visibility into hidden talent and credibility during outreach.

Screening was designed to measure more than coding speed. Candidates completed exercises in Julia that tested numerical stability and problem-solving in applied mathematics. Scenario-based tasks required them to reason through Bayesian methods and theoretical concepts while still producing efficient code. Structured interviews ensured consistency, and remote-readiness checks assessed adaptability to asynchronous workflows and co-ownership culture. This process reduced mismatches and allowed PlantingSpace to engage only with applicants truly equipped for the work. The recruitment funnel below illustrates the progression from initial sourcing through to final hires.

“Our biggest challenge was finding people who could move from theory to production without losing rigor. The process had to test real mathematical thinking and practical coding under the same roof, which is why we built a very specific evaluation path.” – Arev P., Recruitment Specialist at DevsData LLC

Results and impact

DevsData LLC completed the engagement within four weeks, securing the specialized roles PlantingSpace needed to advance its product milestones. The hiring cycle was reduced significantly compared to earlier attempts, and full onboarding was completed in under a month.

The new hires quickly contributed to:

• Moving forward with key projects in AI and data science that had been delayed.
• Allowing internal teams to redirect effort toward research and long-term innovation.
• Strengthening the company’s ability to demonstrate delivery capacity to investors by keeping progress visible.
• Integrating seamlessly into the collaborative work model, aligning with both the company’s culture and technical goals.

This outcome turned recruitment from a challenge into a source of momentum, enabling PlantingSpace to accelerate its AI-driven platform while reinforcing confidence among stakeholders in its ability to deliver.

Conclusion

PlantingSpace’s most pressing challenge was the inability to locate engineers with both advanced academic backgrounds and practical Julia expertise, a barrier that threatened the delivery of its knowledge representation system. Filling these roles quickly was critical to support ongoing work on a platform for complex data, ensuring project milestones stayed aligned with investor-backed goals.

DevsData LLC resolved this by deploying a recruitment strategy that combined targeted academic outreach with a structured evaluation process tailored to the interdisciplinary demands of the roles. Within four weeks, all key Julia positions were staffed, cutting the hiring cycle by more than half compared to the client’s earlier attempts. The newly onboarded engineers quickly integrated into PlantingSpace’s asynchronous, co-ownership structure, taking possession of modules in probabilistic reasoning and visual knowledge systems. Their contribution restored project velocity and allowed internal specialists to redirect energy toward research and system design.

This case underscores DevsData LLC’s position as a partner of choice for startups and high-growth organizations needing rare technical talent. With a proven ability to deliver results under demanding timelines, across regions, and in highly specialized domains such as artificial intelligence and data science, DevsData LLC continues to demonstrate the value of its tailored approach.

Case match: Is your company facing challenges like PlantingSpace?

A short diagnostic:

• Are you seeking engineers with a rare combination of advanced academic background and specialized programming knowledge?
• Do internal recruitment efforts struggle to identify and evaluate candidates for complex AI or data science projects?
• Would your teams benefit from a recruitment partner able to validate technical depth while ensuring cultural fit in distributed environments?

If the answer is “yes” to any of these, DevsData LLC may be the right partner for your technical hiring needs, just as we were for PlantingSpace.

For confidential consultations or to learn more about our experience securing specialized talent in AI and data science, contact us at general@devsdata.com or visit www.devsdata.com.

Any questions or comments? Let me know on Twitter/X.

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Nikoloz Khotcholava Copywriter and Marketer

Nika Khotcholava is a dedicated copywriter with four years of experience crafting engaging content across various platforms. His background in social media management has sharpened his ability to communicate ideas effectively and collaborate closely with designers to bring creative visions to life. Nika thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys learning something new every day.

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