TechEmpower
AUGUST 14, 2023
Why do this without the right technical advisor? Just like attorneys, technical advisors can help navigate waters that many find murky. Actually, many startups need two kinds of technical advisors. CTO Founder – Do they really still need a technical advisor? Would you create contracts without an attorney?
SoCal CTO
DECEMBER 10, 2012
It was like having a bunch of mini- Free Startup CTO Consulting Sessions all in one room. This is exactly the kind of thing I'm doing as a Part-Time CTO or Technical Advisor for startups. There are two kinds of advisors that are commonly needed. Strategic Technical Advisor. Tactical Technical Advisor.
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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. I used an image from Roger Smith that describes the varying roles of a CTO as the company matures.
Both Sides of the Table
AUGUST 30, 2014
Many startups now go through accelerators and have mentors passing through each day with advice – usually it’s conflicting. Draw from Frameworks. The most helpful type of advice in my mind are frameworks for how to solve a problem. On marketing I talk about “ Arming & Aiming ” 4. Triangulate.
Both Sides of the Table
FEBRUARY 16, 2015
So operating at a higher level, helping to set the framework for decision making and then sitting down and watching the game be played, is certainly the way to go.” In practice it can be a fine line between sparring partner / coach and stepping over the line to brute-force persuasion. ” Of course I agree with this.
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. Accounting?
SoCal CTO
APRIL 28, 2014
I’m challenged getting developers to work with me when I can’t pay them market wages. I.e., they need a developer more than they need a CTO. Ideally, you would have had a technical advisor, had better up-front definition, had more iteration, then you would not be in this situation. Once you are here, it’s a tough spot.
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