Two models designed for different moments in your company: the Tandem for early startups that don't yet have internal HR (8–35 employees), and the Sr. Estratégico that structures major initiatives when you already have an operative or IC internally (+35 employees).
The Tandem is the model for companies of 8 to 35 employees that don't yet have an internal HR function — it covers everything from scratch. From 35 employees onward, when you already have an operative or IC internally, we add a Sr. Estratégico who structures major initiatives and long-term plans on top of your existing team.
Model 01 · Full HR team as a service
Tandem
Companies 8-35 employees · Pre-Series A / A Startups
2 human profilesSenior + Junior/OperativeOptional AI agentsCovers everything from scratch6-18 months
Who it's for
Startups with 8 to 35 employees that don't yet have an internal HR function. The founder or COO is handling hiring + comp + compliance alongside their main role. The Tandem becomes your full external HR team: a senior who thinks strategy and an operative who executes day-to-day — optionally powered by AI agents for admin tasks.
Months 4–9: hiring execution + playbook development + first culture rituals.
Weekly check-ins with founder/CEO, monthly reports to leadership.
Typical outcome
In 6–12 months, the company has a functioning HR team without one in-house, comp bands built with benchmarking, a replicable hiring system, compliance up to date, and documented culture. The founder stops being the bottleneck. When crossing 35 employees, we facilitate transition to Model 02 by adding a Sr. Estratégico over your first internal operative.
Customby scope
2+2Humans + AI agents
6-18mTypical timeline
0 HRinternal required
8-35Target employees
Model 02 · Senior advisor over your internal team
Sr. Estratégico
Companies +35 employees · Scale-up with internal operative
Companies with +35 employees that already have at least one internal HR operative or Individual Contributor (IC) but lack senior strategic structure. The external Sr. Estratégico provides support, architecture and mentorship to your internal person, leading major initiatives (comp strategy, cultural transformation, M&A, career frameworks) that can't be executed with only operative capacity.
What's included
Sr. Estratégico (2–4 days/month) with a seat in leadership + meetings with your internal operative.
Design and direction of major initiatives: comp redesign, career ladders, cultural transformation, M&A people integration.
Direct mentorship to internal IC/operative: weekly coaching + capability escalation.
C-Level / VP executive hiring on demand (not included in base fee).
Participation in board decks and investor conversations.
Quarters 2–4: execution of 3–5 major initiatives with internal operative ownership.
Months 13–24: consolidation, advanced mentorship, evaluation of upgrade to full-time Head of People.
Cadence: 1–2 weekly sessions with internal IC + quarterly reviews with CEO/board.
Typical outcome
In 12–24 months, your internal IC/operative levels up 2 capability levels, the 3–5 major initiatives are implemented with their own systems, and the company has the maturity to decide whether to promote the internal person to Head of People or bring in an external full-time hire. The added value: you don't pay a full-time Head of People while building internal capability.
The founder handles hiring alongside their main role. The Tandem takes on the full HR function as an external service, without needing to hire yet.
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Scale-up +35 people with internal operative
You already have an HR IC/operative but lack strategic structure. The Sr. Estratégico mentors your person + leads long-term initiatives.
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Preparing for external investment
Evaluating raising VC, PE or M&A. Documentation + talent due diligence + aligned comp structure ready in 6 months.
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Generational transition in family business
Family professionalizing operations. Fractional professionalizes people systems without clashing with historical culture.
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Head of People in transition
Your Head of People resigned and the replacement hasn't arrived yet. Fractional covers 3–9 months with strategic continuity.
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Specific major initiatives
Comp strategy redesign, cultural transformation, career framework, M&A integration. 3–12 month projects with the Sr. Estratégico.
Frequently asked questions
The 5 questions we get most
What's the difference between the Tandem and the Sr. Estratégico?
The Tandem (Model 01) is designed for companies of 8–35 employees that don't yet have an internal HR function — it includes 2 human profiles (senior + operative) + optional AI agents that deliver HR as a complete external service. The Sr. Estratégico (Model 02) is designed for companies of +35 employees that already have an internal operative or IC — it brings strategic architecture and mentorship over your existing team, leading major long-term initiatives.
How much does each model cost?
The cost is defined to measure according to dedication, the AI agents included and the scope of initiatives. In both models it typically results in significantly less than a full-time Head of People with equivalent senior criteria. We'll prepare a proposal tailored to your stage.
What if my company has fewer than 8 employees?
At that stage you typically don't even need Fractional — an external advisor 2–4 hours/month + basic compliance is enough. We can give you initial advisory without selling a contract you don't need.
When should I add the Sr. Estratégico to the Tandem?
When crossing ~35 employees, when you already have (or are hiring) an internal HR operative/IC. At that point the Tandem evolves: the external operative is replaced by your internal one, and the senior upgrades to Sr. Estratégico who structures major long-term initiatives.
Do AI agents replace people?
No. Agents automate repetitive tasks (mass sourcing, screening of 80% routine queries, reminders, documentation). Human judgment remains intact for executive hiring, difficult feedback, culture and strategic decisions. Correct mix: 30% AI + 70% human.
What Mexican compliance do you cover?
LFT (contracts, progressive discipline, terminations for cause), NOM-035 (psychosocial risks), NOM-037 (remote work). We also support on leave policies, harassment, DEI compliance and preventive STPS audits.
Does your scale-up need senior People capacity without paying full-time?
Let's schedule 30 min. If there's a fit between your stage and either model, we'll send you a proposal in 72 hours.