(August 2025) Tech Layoffs Are Surging, AI Ate the Capital, and Superior Talent Is the Moat — Inside the Polarized Market Reshaping Exec Hiring, From M&A Rollups to the Race for AI-Fluent Leaders.

The executive hiring landscape in 2025 is getting ruthless — and the AI arms race is only accelerating.

Capital is consolidating. Layoffs are reshaping the talent pool. And the bar for leadership hires has never been higher.

In Q2, we saw late-breaking momentum in executive searches (up 20% MoM in June), a continued collapse in junior hiring, and a clear shift toward proven operators with AI fluency, data depth, and platform-scaling experience.

So we pulled together what we’re seeing — across live searches, investor calls, and founder conversations — into a tight, high-signal deck:

(August 2025) Bearhug Recruiting – Market Trends & Talent Insights

Here’s a quick preview of what’s inside:

• Why 41% of U.S. VC went to just 10 companies — and 8 were AI

• What 64% of N.A. venture dollars flowing to AI startups means for your next fundraise

• Why M&A surged 155% YoY, led by AI infrastructure and cybersecurity rollups

• What 16K+ layoffs in July signal for leadership hiring — and why the best execs are already gone

• Why fractional and contract leadership is rising fast, and how founders are using it to de-risk decisions

• How top execs are assessing offers now — and what founders must do to win them before the window closes

You’ll also get a quick look inside Bearhug’s Easy Button search model — helping startups move faster, reduce founder lift by 90%, and close top talent before the competition even knows they’re available.

It’s sharp, timely, and made for founders making critical hires — and the investors guiding them.

👉 Click here to view our newly updated August 2025 deck

And if it hits? Share it, forward it, or shoot me a note — I’d love to compare notes on what you’re seeing in the market too.