Australia · Backing recruitment founders
Vsted partners with ambitious recruiters to launch and grow your own businesses, providing financial investment, mentorship, and operational support.
What vsted means
We take 15% equity in your business and nothing else. No fees, no retainers. Our success is directly tied to yours, which means every conversation, decision and strategy session is focused on helping you build a valuable, profitable and sustainable recruitment business.
01We've sat at the desk, made the calls and felt the pressure. We understand the challenges of building a recruitment business because we've lived them ourselves. When things get tough, we're there to support you. When you're winning, we're there to celebrate alongside you.
02Direct access to experienced recruitment entrepreneurs who have built and scaled successful businesses. We provide commercial insight and honest feedback to help you avoid costly mistakes, make better decisions and accelerate growth with confidence and clarity.
03Vsted is a network of founder-led recruitment businesses that share knowledge, opportunities and support. From day one, you'll be connected to like-minded operators who understand the journey, want to see you succeed and are willing to help make it happen.
04How it works
We're with you from the first conversation to the day you hire your fifth consultant and well beyond.
Stage 01 · Launch
We start with a real conversation no webinar, no sales funnel. We get to know your experience, your market, and your ambition. If we're aligned, we build the foundations together: company structure, commercial model, go-to-market strategy, and the confidence to take the leap without feeling like you're taking it alone.
Stage 02 · Scale
Once you're billing, we shift into growth mode alongside you. Monthly mentorship, quarterly strategy reviews, and direct access to Steve and Ben whenever you need it. We help you hire your first consultant, win your first retained client, build your brand and your reputation actively pushing you forward at every step.
Stage 03 · Own
The business is yours your name, your clients, your culture, your vision. We're your equity partner, showing up as an active supporter and advocate as you grow an asset with genuine long-term value. Whether you scale to a team of 20 or build a lifestyle business you love, we're there encouraging you and celebrating every single win along the way.
We don't charge founders for access. We take a stake in their future. Because once we're Vsted, your success isn't just important to us, it's essential.
Steve Tolen & Ben Richardson · Co-Founders, Vsted
The founders
Co-Founder · Growth & Strategy
Steve has spent more than 25 years helping recruitment businesses grow, scale and succeed. After senior leadership roles with Randstad Sourceright and Allegis Global Solutions, he helped establish Recruitment Entrepreneur in Australia, working alongside recruiters making the transition from employee to business owner.
That experience gave Steve a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing recruitment entrepreneurs. He saw first-hand what founders value, where support models can fall short, and why genuine alignment between founders and investors matters more than anything else.
Today, through Stolen+Co and Vsted, Steve combines decades of recruitment, sales and growth experience with a model built around partnership, not control. His focus is helping ambitious recruiters build businesses they are proud to own, lead and grow.
"After working with hundreds of founders, one thing is clear: success rarely comes down to talent alone. The right support at the right time can change everything."
LinkedInCo-Founder · Advisory & Partnerships
Ben has spent more than 25 years building, scaling and advising recruitment businesses across Australia. He founded Turnaround, which became Australia's largest and most successful rec2rec, before moving into advisory and investment roles supporting founders through growth, partnerships and succession planning.
That experience gave Ben a practical understanding of what it takes to build lasting recruitment businesses. He has worked alongside founders at every stage of the journey, helping them navigate commercial challenges, leadership decisions and the realities of long-term business ownership.
Today, through Odyssey Group and Vsted, Ben combines entrepreneurial experience with commercial discipline and strategic advice. Helping ambitious recruiters create value, strong foundations and opportunities beyond their next placement.
"I've always believed great recruiters deserve the opportunity to own what they build. Sometimes all that's missing is the right structure, support and belief."
LinkedInMost recruiters spend their careers building someone else's business. We're talking to recruiters who are serious about building something of their own. Leave your details and either Steve or Ben will contact you directly. No pitch deck. No sales process. No pressure. Just a real conversation.
We respond within 48 hours. Just Steve or Ben no team, no templates.
Or email us directly at hello@vsted.com