Staffing agency vs. EOR vs. direct hire: which model fits your stage

“Should we use a staffing partner, an EOR, or hire directly?” is really a question about your stage, not your budget.

A rough map

• Pre-seed to seed: a staffing partner who sources, vets, and handles payroll — you stay focused on building
• Series A–B: same, or an EOR once you know exactly who you want and just need compliant employment
• Later stage: direct hires for core roles, a partner for speed and surge capacity

The mistake isn't picking the 'wrong' model — it's picking one that adds overhead you can't staff. Early on, the value of a partner is that they absorb the parts of hiring you don't have time to do well.