Outsized expands into ANZ region amid growing talent demand

Outsized, a significant player in the independent talent market, has announced its strategic expansion into the Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) region. With a network exceeding 30,000 independent consultants and skilled contractors, Outsized stands as the sole on-demand talent platform in the region specialising in high-end roles, including digital transformation experts and project managers.

In 2023, Outsized expanded its platform by over 50% in terms of talent members. The company has experienced substantial year-on-year revenue growth since its inception in 2016 and concluded its Series A fundraising round in Q4 2023. The move to ANZ is part of its broader expansion strategy across the Asia-Pacific region.

The expansion occurs amid a period when Australian organisations are increasingly relying on consultants and temporary workers to address critical skills shortages, particularly in sectors like cybersecurity and IT. Outsized anticipates significant growth in the ANZ market in areas such as Data, AI, Digital Transformation, Technology, Cybersecurity, and Sustainability/ESG.

Outsized distinguishes itself by adopting a "human-first" approach, opposing the highly transactional model customary in the talent industry that typically benefits clients only. This model provides clients with access to pre-vetted, highly skilled talent, curated to meet individual needs, without the fixed costs associated with traditional hiring.

The local team will be led by Sara Kahlau, an expert in talent models and innovation. Sara's previous roles include positions at Booz & Co and icare NSW, and she has recently held leadership roles in the global on-demand talent market. She will serve as the Managing Director, ANZ.

"With Outsized, our customers in ANZ can expect a tailored approach that aligns talent solutions with strategic business objectives," affirmed Sara. "Our model ensures clients have access to all the skills they need whenever they need them, without the fixed costs, through our unique talent pool and virtual bench products, giving clients on-tap access to pre-vetted, highly skilled talent curated to their individual needs."

Demand for flexible, independent talent solutions is rising swiftly in ANZ, noted Sara Kahlau. "Outsized fills a critical gap in the market by offering an intuitive platform that not only meets business needs for agility and expertise but empowers talent to shape their careers on their terms," she said.

The ANZ expansion aligns with a trend where businesses increasingly call upon independent talent for agility, innovation, and efficiency. In 2023, Outsized saw a 154% increase in the number of independents on contracts, up from a 45% increment the prior year. Key areas expected to witness growth in ANZ include Data, AI, Digital Transformation, Technology, Cybersecurity, and Sustainability/ESG. Recent studies suggest that 88% of Australian businesses require talent with specific skills, notably in Project Management, Business Analytics, and Digital Transformation.

Outsized's expansion strategy is reinforced by its existing relationships with major consulting firms and its specialisation in sectors such as financial services, insurance, healthcare, and government.

"As we expand our footprint in ANZ, Outsized remains committed to delivering unparalleled value to our clients and talent partners," concluded Anurag Bhalla, co-founder of Outsized. "We are excited to embark on this journey, redefining the future of work through innovative talent solutions."