For Technology Companies

The retained Chief Technology Officer (CTO) works as an integral part of the existing executive team participating in all aspects of the business. Throughout his placement, the retained CTO is dedicated to the success of the company -- not just to the short-term project or projects which may have been initially designated. The retained CTO remains accountable for the confidentiality of information exchanged whether it's advice on tactical issues or highly restricted strategic plans.

• Product Strategy

  Run and participate in product planning sessions to ensure that the product road map can be supported by the technology and that the agreed direction supports and advances the business goals of the company

• Technical Architecture

  Review and develop a long term and sustainable technical architecture for the company

• Executive Meetings

  Participate in Senior Staff meetings as a full member of the executive team

• Mentor/Coach

  Act as a mentor for existing technology staff, including permanent CTO candidates

• Plan for Growth

  Develop plans to grow (or shrink) technology staff including Quality Assurance

• Hire/Fire/Outsource

  Participate in decisions and activities around properly sizing the technology department including outsourcing if needed

• Manage Intellectual Property

  Identify corporate IP and ensure that all IP is fully exploited and protected through either trade secret or patents

• Analyst Relations

  Working with the company develop the technical aspect of analyst relationships. Ensure that the company's technical vision and ability to execute is clearly defined and presented to the analyst community

• Board of Director Meetings

  Attend (in person of via phone) Board of Director meetings as needed to represent the technical mission of the company

For Investors

For many investors the primary view of an emerging technology company is financial. This approach can mask the down side risks that often stem from technology issues. As part of the investor relations team the retained CTO provides an ongoing review of the company's technology direction.

• Due Diligence Review

  Perform Due Diligence activities for initial investment or M&A opportunities. Our Due Diligence efforts go beyond the straightforward code review and provide a complete understanding of how the technology and products fit into the target customer environments.

• Executive Team Support

  Provide executive level support for the portfolio company in the areas of product direction, product architecture and overall technical vision

• Mergers and Acquisitions

  Perform suitability assessments for possible M&A targets. For existing companies that desire to merge or be acquired, the retained CTO will develop a target list of companies and facilitate introductions, as appropriate.