About SkillTorch
SkillTorch is a boutique talent partner working with venture-backed AI companies across North America and Europe. We deliver retained and embedded search to support senior hiring in infrastructure, platform, and operations, helping leadership teams build the capability required to run AI systems reliably at scale.
The Founder’s Story: Melica Moshiri
My recruitment journey began after graduating with a Law with Business (LLB Hons) degree from the University of Brighton at 21. While I enjoyed law, I quickly realised that the traditional route would take years to climb. I wanted to succeed faster.
That drive led me to Pareto Law, a Randstad company. I joined their recruitment team after attending an assessment day for B2B sales. At the time, I had no idea what I was stepping into, but I was drawn to the challenge and the chance to progress quickly. My time there laid the foundation: 100 to 150 cold calls a day, long hours, and learning to thrive under pressure. It was where I developed the resilience, sales grit and client management skills that still shape how I work today.
From there, I moved into field sales at Experian Data Quality, becoming the youngest Field Account Manager at 22. I managed strategic relationships, including NHS Trusts, and learned how to build trust with senior stakeholders across the UK.
I eventually returned to recruitment, joining an executive search firm specialising in advertising technology across the US and Europe. Within two months, I secured my first major client, Amazon, and went on to outbill the firm’s directors, something that had not been done in eight years.
A move to Los Angeles followed, where I helped another UK recruitment firm open their first US office. I built their client and candidate base from scratch across the Americas, earning three promotions, record-breaking placements, and top-biller recognition. This was where I truly learned how to scale a recruitment business in a highly competitive market.
I also spent time in SaaS sales at a marketing technology company, achieving the highest outbound activity levels on the North American mid-market team. That experience deepened my understanding of the software industry and sharpened my prospecting expertise.
Today, I am the founder of SkillTorch. I have partnered with some of the most recognised names in AI and technology including Amazon, Blackberry, MiQ, Voxel AI, Goop, Riot Games, Havas and Medtronic, placing exceptional leadership and technical talent in roles that drive growth.
Beyond recruitment, I have spoken in Parliament on behalf of the recruitment industry, delivered a TEDx talk, and I was a contestant on BBC The Apprentice in 2025. If there is one thing my career has taught me, it is how to stay resilient and get results.
Why work with SkillTorch?
- Focused Infrastructure Expertise We work exclusively with AI compute and infrastructure-first companies, giving you access to senior leaders who have built and operated complex systems where reliability, scale, and performance are critical.
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Embedded, Senior-Level Partnership
Our retained and embedded model allows us to operate as a true extension of your leadership team during pivotal phases, from early scale through production and operational maturity.Trusted Delivery
We’ve supported leadership hires across high-growth, venture-backed AI companies in North America and Europe, earning repeat mandates through discretion, judgement, and results.Thoughtful, Hands-On Approach
Every engagement is led personally, with deep attention to context, leadership fit, and long-term impact, not just technical capability.
About SkillTorch
SkillTorch is a boutique talent partner working with venture-backed AI companies across North America and Europe. We deliver retained and embedded search to support senior hiring in infrastructure, platform, and operations, helping leadership teams build the capability required to run AI systems reliably at scale
The Founder’s Story: Melica Moshiri
My recruitment journey began after graduating with a Law with Business (LLB Hons) degree from the University of Brighton at 21. While I enjoyed law, I quickly realised that the traditional route would take years to climb. I wanted to succeed faster.
That drive led me to Pareto Law, a Randstad company. I joined their recruitment team after attending an assessment day for B2B sales. At the time, I had no idea what I was stepping into, but I was drawn to the challenge and the chance to progress quickly. My time there laid the foundation: 100 to 150 cold calls a day, long hours, and learning to thrive under pressure. It was where I developed the resilience, sales grit and client management skills that still shape how I work today.
From there, I moved into field sales at Experian Data Quality, becoming the youngest Field Account Manager at 22. I managed strategic relationships, including NHS Trusts, and learned how to build trust with senior stakeholders across the UK.
I eventually returned to recruitment, joining an executive search firm specialising in advertising technology across the US and Europe. Within two months, I secured my first major client, Amazon, and went on to outbill the firm’s directors, something that had not been done in eight years.
A move to Los Angeles followed, where I helped another UK recruitment firm open their first US office. I built their client and candidate base from scratch across the Americas, earning three promotions, record-breaking placements, and top-biller recognition. This was where I truly learned how to scale a recruitment business in a highly competitive market.
I also spent time in SaaS sales at a marketing technology company, achieving the highest outbound activity levels on the North American mid-market team. That experience deepened my understanding of the software industry and sharpened my prospecting expertise.
Today, I am the founder of SkillTorch. I have partnered with some of the most recognised names in AI and technology including Amazon, Blackberry, MiQ, Voxel AI, Goop, Riot Games, Havas and Medtronic, placing exceptional leadership and technical talent in roles that drive growth.
Beyond recruitment, I have spoken in Parliament on behalf of the recruitment industry, delivered a TEDx talk, and I was a contestant on BBC The Apprentice in 2025. If there is one thing my career has taught me, it is how to stay resilient and get results.
Why work with SkillTorch?
-
Embedded, Senior-Level Partnership
Our retained and embedded model allows us to operate as a true extension of your leadership team during pivotal phases, from early scale through production and operational maturity.Trusted Delivery
We’ve supported leadership hires across high-growth, venture-backed AI companies in North America and Europe, earning repeat mandates through discretion, judgement, and results.Thoughtful, Hands-On Approach
Every engagement is led personally, with deep attention to context, leadership fit, and long-term impact, not just technical capability.
If You’re Hoping To Change Careers Or Are Looking For The Right Talent To Fill A Position, Skilltorch Can Help.
We’re Passionate About Creating Diverse Environments
SkillTorch powers innovation by helping venture-backed companies across North America, the UK and Europe scale executive, go-to-market and engineering teams in Automation, Robotics, Semiconductors and Enterprise AI.
We go beyond traditional recruitment. Through retained search and embedded partnerships, we act as an extension of your team, delivering precise, fast results when growth matters most.
As a woman-founded business, we also care deeply about building diverse, future-ready teams. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion ensures our clients not only hire exceptional talent but also create environments where innovation thrives.
We’re Passionate About Creating Diverse Environments
SkillTorch powers innovation by helping venture-backed companies across North America, the UK and Europe scale executive, go-to-market and engineering teams in Automation, Robotics, Semiconductors and Enterprise AI.
We go beyond traditional recruitment. Through retained search and embedded partnerships, we act as an extension of your team, delivering precise, fast results when growth matters most.
As a woman-founded business, we also care deeply about building diverse, future-ready teams. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion ensures our clients not only hire exceptional talent but also create environments where innovation thrives.