**The big picture:** Serial entrepreneurs Mike and Kass Lazerow have acquired a controlling interest in Merraine Group, an executive search firm, and launched Merraine Growth to specialize in talent acquisition for venture-backed companies. **Why it matters:** This move signals a strategic investment in the high-growth startup talent market, offering specialized recruitment solutions for fast-paced, venture-funded organizations. **Between the lines:** - Mike and Kass Lazerow are known for co-founding Buddy Media (sold to Salesforce) and investing in over 100 companies. - Merraine Growth focuses on critical roles from first sales hires to C-suite and board-level placements in AI, fintech, and healthtech. - Merraine Group's CEO, David Gantshar, will remain in his role, leveraging the Lazerows' network for expansion. **Staffing & HR impact:** This acquisition highlights the increasing demand for specialized recruitment expertise in the venture capital ecosystem, potentially driving recruiter mobility and new service offerings within the staffing industry. It also underscores the critical role of strategic talent acquisition for rapid growth companies. **The bottom line:** Expect Merraine Growth to become a significant player in connecting high-growth startups with essential talent, driven by experienced entrepreneurial leadership.