Theo Karen

Caretaker
DISC Type : Si

Co-Founder at Ember Search

New York, New York, United States

Overview

Theo Karen is the Co-Founder of Ember Search, specializing in placing finance leaders in VC and PE-backed startups. With over 14 years of experience and more than 200 successful placements, he established his firm to provide a more focused, partner-led search process. He holds a bachelors degree from West Virginia University.

Colleagues and candidates describe Theo as professional, patient, efficient, and motivational. He is recognized for his careful consideration in understanding career goals and providing consistent guidance, demonstrating a genuine care for the individuals he works with.

Theo co-founded his firm to solve common frustrations in executive search, like senior partners disappearing after intake calls, ensuring direct, expert involvement.

Personality Overview

Collaborative

Accommodating

Good Listener

Scenarios where both sides can come out as winners appeal to them greatly.  They are more likely to opt for solutions that are proven in the market. Unlike D or C types, they are calm as well as friendly and can give the impression of being more receptive than they actually are.

Topics They Care About

Finance Leadership
His entire career is dedicated to recruiting senior finance talent, such as CFOs and VPs of Finance, for high-growth companies.
VC & PE Startups
He focuses exclusively on helping venture capital and private equity-backed companies scale their finance departments.
AI & Health Tech
His recent work involves partnering with startups in the AI-native SaaS and health technology sectors to fill key finance roles.

Media Appearances

Theo has no verified media appearances

Work History

8-2025
Co-Founder at Ember Search
9-2015 - 6-2025
Senior Managing Consultant at Beacon Hill Staffing Group
4-2014 - 8-2015
Staffing Manager at Robert Half - Accountemps
2-2013 - 4-2014
Accounting at BWW Law Firm

Education

2007 - 2011
Bachelor's degree from West Virginia University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 12 Location : New York, New York, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Co-Founder at Ember Search
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Insights For Selling To Theo

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • When asking them questions, sound relatable and informal
  • Take time to make them feel comfortable before getting to the main pitch
  • Be visibly appreciative of their actions during your interactions

DONT's

  • Avoid unnecessary confrontation if it arises incidentally
  • Don’t get into excessive details unless prompted
  • Don’t ask too many questions that sound too dry and objective

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Theo is

  • Relationships can play a major role, followed by low risk and strong market validation.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Theo

  • They are not very direct, and unlikely to say no to your face.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Theo move?

  • They can take their time to make decisions, even if they are constantly involved and friendly.
  • Can Theo take some risk or not?

  • It is unlikely that they will take many risks.

You And Theo

Personality Compatibility


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