Vetted talent networks: Toptal, Andela, Turing, Arc, Braintrust and Proxify
Vetted networks test your skills before you join, then match you with companies. They pay well and you don't bid against hundreds of people, but entry is hard. Most focus on developers, with some design, data and product roles.
9. Toptal
What it is: A selective network that says it accepts only a small percentage of applicants.
| Work | Software development, design, finance, product and project management |
| Fees for you | Free for freelancers; clients pay Toptal |
| Getting paid | Payoneer, bank or other methods in your account |
| Kenya | Accepts applicants worldwide, including Kenya |
| Competition | Very selective |
| Best for | Senior developers and specialists |
How to start: Prepare for language, timed coding and live interview stages; apply when you're truly senior. Pros: High rates; quality clients. Cons: Very hard screening. Watch out: Applications are free; ignore anyone selling “Toptal referrals”.
10. Andela
What it is: A talent network that grew from training and placing African software engineers with global companies.
| Work | Software engineering, data, cloud, QA |
| Fees for you | Free for engineers; companies pay Andela |
| Getting paid | Paid per the contract (methods vary) |
| Kenya | Strong focus on African talent, including Kenya |
| Competition | Selective |
| Best for | Mid-level and senior engineers in Africa |
How to start: Create your profile, take the assessments and keep your skills profile current. Pros: Built with African engineers in mind. Cons: Competitive; matching can take time. Watch out: Use the official Andela site only.
11. Turing
What it is: A platform that vets developers and matches them with remote roles at US companies.
| Work | Software development, AI and data roles |
| Fees for you | Free for developers |
| Getting paid | Paid per the contract |
| Kenya | Open to developers worldwide |
| Competition | Selective |
| Best for | Developers wanting long-term remote roles |
How to start: Complete the profile and coding tests; keep your availability updated. Pros: Long-term roles. Cons: Tests are demanding; waiting for matches. Watch out: Never pay for “guaranteed placement”.
12. Arc
What it is: A remote job and freelance network for developers, with a vetting process.
| Work | Software development, data, design |
| Fees for you | Free for developers |
| Getting paid | Paid per contract |
| Kenya | Open to developers worldwide |
| Competition | Selective |
| Best for | Developers wanting remote freelance or full-time roles |
How to start: Complete vetting, write a clear profile, and apply to matched roles. Pros: Good remote opportunities. Cons: Competition from many countries. Watch out: Beware of fake recruiters using the Arc name.
13. Braintrust
What it is: A talent network where freelancers keep 100% of their rate and clients pay the network fee.
| Work | Development, design, product, marketing |
| Fees for you | Free for freelancers |
| Getting paid | Paid per contract |
| Kenya | Open to many countries |
| Competition | Selective |
| Best for | Experienced professionals |
How to start: Apply, get vetted, and apply to roles that match. Pros: You keep your full rate. Cons: Fewer roles than big marketplaces. Watch out: Same advice: official site only.
14. Proxify
What it is: A network matching vetted developers with companies, mostly in Europe.
| Work | Software development |
| Fees for you | Free for developers |
| Getting paid | Paid per contract |
| Kenya | Accepted countries vary: check whether Kenya is eligible |
| Competition | Selective |
| Best for | Experienced developers |
How to start: Check eligibility, then complete the screening. Pros: Long-term contracts. Cons: Country limits. Watch out: Don't misstate your location.
Summary
- Vetted networks (Toptal, Andela, Turing, Arc, Braintrust, Proxify) are free for freelancers and pay well, but screening is hard.
- Andela focuses on African engineers; Toptal is the most selective.
- Never pay for referrals or “guaranteed placement”.
Check yourself
Which network grew from placing African software engineers? (one word)
Show answer
andela
Do vetted networks usually charge freelancers to join? (yes or no)
Show answer
no
On Braintrust, what percentage of their rate do freelancers keep? (number)
Show answer
100