The CTO Scaling Guide
When to bring in a technology advisory engagement, what to expect in 90 days, and the math behind the model.
Hiring a full-time CTO at $250K+ before you have $5M ARR is one of the most expensive mistakes a growing company can make. This guide explains the engagement-based model, the trigger points that justify upgrading, and exactly what a productive 90-day engagement looks like.
What's inside
- 5 signals you've outgrown DIY tech leadership
- Full-time vs. technology advisory engagement cost comparison
- 90-day engagement roadmap (week-by-week)
- Hiring scorecard and interview questions
- Transition plan when you're ready for full-time
Who it's for
Founders and CEOs of post-revenue SMBs ($1M–$20M ARR) where the technical roadmap is starting to drive — or block — revenue, but a full-time exec hire isn't yet justified.
What you'll get
A clear decision framework, a side-by-side cost table (full-time hire vs. scoped engagement), and a 90-day roadmap you can hand to any engagement lead so the first quarter doesn't get wasted on discovery.