‘Staffing the singularity’ isn’t just our tagline, it’s our mission.
We partner with organisations using AI and advanced technologies to solve complex, high-impact problems — from climate and energy to finance, logistics, and life sciences. At Banba, we connect world-class, mission-driven AI talent with challenges worthy of their time, intelligence, and ambition.
Banba was born after our founder, Fergal Nolan, watched healthcare entrepreneur Matthew Rabinowitz speak movingly at Stanford about how personal tragedy inspired the creation of one of the world’s most impactful AI-driven diagnostics companies.
It was a turning point: the moment Fergal realised that the best engineers and scientists don’t just build clever things: they solve problems worthy of them. With over 25 years of experience placing tech leaders and building high-performing AI & Data Science teams, Fergal launched Banba in 2025 with a single goal:
To connect world-class AI & Data Science talent with transformative and innovative missions.
Whether it’s accelerating drug discovery, optimising global supply chains, enabling climate resilience, or building next-generation fintech platforms, we exist to ensure the right minds are solving the right problems at the intersection of purpose, science, and AI. Operating globally, we work with organisations pushing the boundaries of what AI and data can do — to improve performance, unlock progress, and shape the future.
We are also a key member and contributor of the #AIFORGOOD community. Learn more about our alliances here.
"Solve a problem worthy of you"
At Banba, we connect AI and Data Science professionals with the missions that matter — technically, strategically, and at scale. We partner with organisations solving complex, high-impact problems across sectors, from climate and energy to finance, logistics, and life sciences. Because when the stakes are real, you need people who can deliver — with intelligence, clarity, and purpose.
Our Values
1
PURPOSE
We work to connect world-class talent with ambitious, meaningful work.
2
INTEGRITY
Honesty and transparency form the basis of all our relationships.
3
FOCUS
We go deep, not wide. We specialise in AI, Data, and Advanced Tech — matching the right people with the right opportunities.
4
RECIPROCITY
We invest in the communities we serve. Through the Banba Bursary, partnerships, and events, we contribute to the ecosystems that make progress possible.
With purpose comes impact...
Work That Shapes the Frontier
'Demand for AI talent has surged 2.5x in 3 years, with frontier model roles and GenAI leading growth.’
→ You're not just filling a role, you're shaping the future of how businesses operate.
Source: LinkedIn Economic Graph 2024 | McKinsey Global Institute
Meaningful Work. Real Impact.
‘94% of AI professionals say purpose and mission now matter more than compensation alone.’
→ We connect you to missions that resonate — from climate to commerce to culture.
Source: 2024 Workhuman-Gallup AI & Meaningful Work Study
The Roles Everyone Wants
'AI/ML Specialist’ ranked #1 fastest-growing job globally for 3 years running.'
→ You're not just employable — you're in demand.
Source: World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2025
Banba Results That Speak
'£350M in revenue uplift delivered through our placements at Argos'...'23 AI & analytics hires placed in 6 months.'
→ Our work delivers commercial value, not just CVs.
Source: Banba Case Study (Argos, 2023)
Founders Trust Us
' Banba helped us secure key hires when no one else could.' — Hiring Lead, \$2B AI Scale-Up
→ We're not just recruiters. We're growth partners.
Source: Banba Client Feedback (2024)
Our team: your solution
Banba Founder
Fergal Nolan
Fergal Nolan is a talent acquisition and executive search leader with over two decades of experience in AI, data science, and analytics hiring. As Founder of Banba, he is committed to helping organisations build world-class AI and data teams that solve meaningful, high-impact problems.
At the heart of Banba’s ethos is #AIforGood—the belief that the best talent should be working on problems worthy of them. Fergal’s optimism for AI and technology is grounded in how transformative innovations have improved lives for centuries. He believes AI has the power to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges, from climate resilience and healthcare breakthroughs to ethical AI and economic inclusion. Banba partners with high impact organisations advancing AI in sustainability, healthcare, humanitarian impact, and smart infrastructure, helping them secure exceptional AI & data leaders who drive real-world change.
Before Banba, Fergal founded Upstream, a specialist talent advisory and executive search firm that became a trusted partner for FTSE 100, Fortune 500, and PE-backed businesses, placing Chief Data Officers, AI Leaders, and analytics executives across Europe and the US. Earlier in his career, he was part of the founding team at Real Staffing, helping scale one of SThree PLC’s most successful divisions by building high-performance recruitment teams and expanding into new markets. Beyond talent acquisition, Fergal has led business transformation projects, including advising a high-growth e-commerce market leader on strategy, operations, and growth planning.
At Banba, he aims to ensure that organisations build teams that not only lead in innovation but also make a difference.
talent acquisition strategist
Doreen Happatz
Doreen Happatz is a global talent acquisition and executive search leader, specialising in uncovering hidden and underrepresented talent to build diverse, high-impact teams. With a career spanning top global brands like Tesla, Zalando, and adidas, she has designed and led innovative recruitment strategies that go beyond traditional hiring methods to drive business success.
At Tesla, Doreen developed and launched programmes such as the Military Transition Programme, successfully hiring over 300 veterans across Europe, as well as reskilling initiatives that created new career pathways for professionals in manufacturing and automotive sectors. Her work at Zalando focused on executive search, recruiting senior leadership in commercial and HR functions, while at adidas, she led global talent acquisition efforts, including the development of the MakerLab, hiring 50 technical experts worldwide in just six months.
Beyond large-scale recruitment initiatives, Doreen has a deep background in executive search, identifying and placing C-suite and senior leadership talent across industries, including fashion, sportswear, automotive, and technology. Her ability to assess leadership potential and match top-tier talent with organisations has made her a sought-after advisor for companies looking to drive strategic growth.
Fluent in English, German, and French, Doreen brings a strategic, data-driven approach to hiring, ensuring that organisations access the best talent, regardless of background. At Banba.io, she combines her passion for executive search, talent strategy, and inclusive hiring to help companies build leadership teams that reflect the diversity and innovation needed in today’s evolving world of work.
Brand and content associate
Mariyam Fawzik
Mariyam is a Brand & Content Associate at Banba, an AI and technology hiring consultancy committed to helping organisations tackle some of the world’s most urgent challenges through access to exceptional talent. In this role, they support brand development and digital communications, helping shape Banba’s voice across web, social, and marketing platforms.
With a background in anthropology and editorial experience at an independent media outlet, Mariyam brings a human-centered, research-informed approach to brand storytelling. Their expertise spans content strategy, SEO, social media communications, project management, editing, and writing—blending creative execution with strategic insight.
At Banba, they lead the creation of digital content, manage communications across multiple channels, and contribute to ongoing brand initiatives. Their work plays a key role in elevating Banba’s brand presence and supporting the company’s position at the forefront of AI and tech talent solutions.
OUR REACH
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