Competition Course CTO CTO Hire 
TechEmpower
AUGUST 7, 2023
What does it mean to be a CTO for a startup? Should a startup CTO spend their time programming? Exploring new technologies? Increasing competitive advantage? The role of a CTO varies as the company matures. That’s why the CTO’s attention is on programming for the earliest stage. It might be.
SoCal CTO
JANUARY 26, 2010
I’ve been having discussions with several people recently about the role of the CTO (Chief Technology Officer) in very early stage companies. In December 2007, I described how I commonly take on an Acting CTO Role in a Start-up. That’s why Roger Smith puts the focus of the CTO on programming for the earliest stage.
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Both Sides of the Table
APRIL 20, 2010
Because more technology people probably read startup blogs I’m guessing this post will come under more scrutiny. The terms “CTO&# and “VP Engineering&# have such stigmas associated with what they are that I’m sure some people will feel uncomfortable with the definitions I’ve put forward. But barely.
Both Sides of the Table
NOVEMBER 16, 2014
In the early days the CEO is the jack-of-all-trades, doer-of-all, famously the “chief janitor” or coffee maker. Eventually you need a VP of Product to handle your product roadmap, a CTO for engineering leadership and VPs of sales, marketing & biz dev. You hire great people. You course correct.
SoCal CTO
JULY 23, 2012
I seem to encounter a lot of people who want to attach a CTO label to me as I'm the only programmer on the founding team of three. While I do fill that role at the moment, I'm a little hesitant to refer to myself as a CTO as we still haven't launched a product, acquired a single user, or turned or a penny in profit. Who will do that?
Both Sides of the Table
FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Because I am true to the hiring practices I preach, I wanted a strong exec who would “ punch above their weightclass ” by taking a job they hadn’t yet done but would hugely aspire to and thus work harder to out perform. In the same year they won Business Insider’s Startup competition. Nice sweep!
Startup Professionals Musings
SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
A CEO who has “been there and done that” is traction, especially if teamed with a financial lead (CFO) and a product lead (CTO). It’s also the keystone to convincing investors that you have a “sustainable competitive advantage.” Of course, a real contract or purchase order from a big customer is even better.
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