Advise • Design • Develop • Manage

Overview

Hi, I’m David.  I specialise in providing CTO and CTO-related services to startup (and scaleup) businesses on a part-time basis – often referred to as a Fractional CTO.

Why Use Me?

Because most startups are in a financially-sensitive period, hiring a full-time CTO (along with potentially multiple software designers and developers) to implement the technology behind a new business vision is simply not an option.

Therefore, I provide a multi-role fractional CTO service that combines all of the above elements. This service is designed to give a startup business access to all of the various areas of technological expertise required to get the venture launched and growing.

Traditional CTO Activities

I provide detailed guidance and advice on technology usage, architecture, integration, partnerships and compliance.I also perform a 'technology watching' function ensuring your business stays up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies (for example, AI), and best practices.This also covers exploring opportunities for innovation and efficiency improvements through technology

Full Tech-stack Development

I'm experienced in many development tools, languages and environments at both the front-end (UI) and back-end (server/database), including (not exhaustive):

  • Front-end UI development: JavaScript/TypeScript; .NET (esp. C#)

  • Cross-platform development using .NET MAUI

  • Back-end server/database design and development: WordPress; PHP; SQL; NoSQL; Node.js

Website Design

I have created many websites covering a wide range of industries and use-case scenarios, including shopfronts and other specialised website functionality.

Mobile app Development

I design and develop mobile apps for all of the major mobile platforms.The mobile apps I develop can integrate seamlessly with your website and back-end environment if required.

Working Pattern and Pricing

The fundamental principle when structuring my working pattern with your business is to be driven by what your business needs and what your business can afford.

I offer one free-of-charge initial consultation meeting which can be either in-person or virtual depending on your preference and geographical location.  I am based 50 miles north of central London, UK.

My Services

Below, I’ve described all of the types of work I can personally provide.

However, it’s also important to make the point here that I have access to a wide range of highly specialised and focused partners and associates that I can call upon if a particular requirement falls outside of my skillset or if the workload is such that my individual bandwidth is not sufficient.  In this case, I would act as the single point of contact and management resource to coordinate these external providers.

Multi-role Fractional CTO

Ensuring that your business is utilising technology in the most efficient manner, both technically and commercially, is the primary responsibility of a CTO.

In an established business, a CTO will typically discharge this responsibility by engaging a team of skilled individuals.

However, in a startup venture there is frequently insufficient finance available to allow this multi-person approach.  This is where a multi-role fractional CTO becomes an invaluable resource.A multi-role fractional CTO is a person engaged on part-time basis who is able to perform both strategic management-level tasks in addition to IT design, development and deployment duties.They allow the business to minimise its personnel expenditure whilst still having access to all of the necessary skillsets to facilitate the implementation of an efficient IT strategy and infrastructure.

Tech-stack Details

In addition to possessing all of the skills required to lead the creation of a business's IT operations, a multi-role CTO needs to have excellent technical skills across a broad spectrum of technical areas.I have over 45 years experience of designing, developing and deploying a huge range of software solutions, most of that time performing the tasks of a full-stack developer - this means being responsible for creating software at both the front-end (user interface) and the back-end (server/database).As you would expect, during that time I have been constantly learning new tools and skills, too many in fact to comprehensively list on this web page.  However, to name a few topical ones that I am highly experienced in:

  • Front-end UI development: Websites and Webapps (all aspects), JavaScript/TypeScript; .NET (esp. C# and XAML)

  • Cross-platform and mobile app development: .NET MAUI and Webviews

  • Back-end server/database design and development: WordPress; PHP; SQL; NoSQL; Node.js

  • Development tools: Visual Studio, VS Code

  • Video streaming, including DRM and Video Player integration

In the sections below I describe the full range of services I can provide.  If you have any questions or require further clarification about any topic in this area please contact me

Traditional CTO Services

Overall a period of some 40+ years I have been the CTO of multiple successful businesses.Traditionally and typically a CTO performs a number of key tasks. These tasks will form the backbone of my role within your business and include:

  • ‘Big-picture’ technology architecture, roadmap and usage guidance

  • Financial planning, budgeting and forecasting for technology usage within the business

  • Security and compliance adherence across all uses of IT

  • IT project management and coordination

  • IT vendor and partner management, ensuring smooth and efficient use and integration of any 3rd party IT providers

  • Research and innovation.  Staying up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies (such as AI), and best practices.  Exploring opportunities for innovation and efficiency improvements through technology

  • Communication and Reporting. Communicating progress, challenges, and technology-related insights to the executive team and stakeholders.  This includes providing regular reports on technology KPIs

The above tasks are typically those that a fractional CTO sourced from an on-line provider will perform.My main USP is that I am also able to provide key design and development services that are an essential ingredient to establishing a solid and scalable IT infrastructure for your business.

Website Development

Your website is obviously a very important element for your business.I have extensive website development experience that not only covers the design, creation and hosting of the website but also ensuring that, if necessary, the architecture and implementation of the website is such that it integrates correctly and smoothly with other elements of IT usage within your business.My website development services include:

  • Company branding.  I have experience in using brand design tools or I can work with a brand designer you may have already engaged

  • Overall website purpose and functionality assessment.  Websites can serve as the host for many different activities and types of functionality.  I will spend time with you identifying precisely which of these your website needs to support

  • Website copy creation.  I can work with you to develop the base textual content and message that the website needs to convey

  • Image selection.  Using the right images and making sure these images are optimised for quick website rendering is an important process.  I can work with you to choose the correct imagery and then use various tools to ensure these images load quickly within the user's browser

  • Website structure and navigation.  Ensuring the user can easily understand how and where to find content is essential for good user engagement and retention.  I can guide you through the process of choosing the best overall website structure and page navigation interface based on your specific requirements

  • Website creation.  Once the branding, copy, imagery, structure and navigation have been agreed I can then build your website using one of a number of tools that I’m experienced in.  I will use the tool that is best suited to the specifics of your site.

  • Website hosting.  I can organize the hosting of the website along with the registering of domain names and SSL certificates.

  • Specialised website functionality. If required, I can integrate more specialised pieces of functionality into your website, such as a shop front, calendars, bookings, reservations and many others.

  • Review and testing.  I will initially host the website in a temporary location allowing you to easily and regularly review and test website development progress.

Application Development

As well as a great website, its very likely that your business will also need to incorporate and utilise other elements of software.  This may cover aspects primarily used by your customers, accessed via a web browser or mobile app.  It may also cover aspects that are primarily used by your internal staff for operational control and management purposes.My first task will be to work with you to precisely identify the overall software requirements of your business.Some of these requirements may be met by using off-the-shelf tools and utilities, in which case I can advise and guide you through the available options and integration.However, if your requirements are more specialised or if you need to create a mobile app, you may also require custom software development services.I have many years of experience in developing custom software solutions.  Custom developed software can cover many different aspects, below is a summary of the areas of software development where I have extensive experience:

  • User interface design.  A clean, simple, intuitive user interfaces is essential for any piece of software.  I will work with you to ensure that any user interfaces, especially those that will be used by your customers, incorporate company branding as well as presenting a consistent design across all areas.

  • Back-end server/database design and development.

  • Multi-platform software development for both desktop and mobile apps.

  • Application hosting.

  • Integrating specialised functionality and hardware.

Onward Business Progression

As a muti-role fractional CTO, it is expected that my role within your business will change over time, especially as your business grows and starts generating significant revenue.  The nature and speed of this change will vary depending on the specifics of your venture.The way in which my role changes over time will be a decision made entirely by you.  It may be that as things progress within your business you need me to oversee the engagement of additional IT personnel, with me eventually handing-over to a full-time CTO.You may decide that you wish to keep me engaged for the longer term in a reduced capacity.I am completely flexible in terms of how you adapt the structure of your business over time, my primary aim being to fit in with and facilitate whatever IT related aspects you decide is best for your venture.

Working Pattern and Pricing

A business's way of working, its financial budget and its culture are always unique to that business.Therefore, the way I structure my working pattern and pricing is always driven by what your business needs and what your business can afford.

I offer an initial free-of-charge consultation meeting which can be either in-person or virtual depending on your preference and geographical location.

At this meeting we can get to know each other a little better and discuss the way forward.  I am based 50 miles north of central London, UK.

Pricing

After the initial meeting, I charge by the hour, with a minimum of 8 hours retainer contract per month, renewed on a rolling monthly basis.My hourly rate is £175 per hour.

Working Location

I anticipate doing most of my work remotely but I can travel to meet in-person when required/possible (travelling expenses charged separately for the latter).If required, I can structure some or all of my work for you to occur on a fixed day/days of the week.

Project Management

Using an online project management system, such as Asana, Trello, Wrike, Monday.com, or ClickUp is pretty much a mandatory requirement.  It obviously allows us to plan and share task timelines and inter-dependencies as well as providing you with up-to-date task progress visibility.

Primary Point of Contact

If there are multiple co-founders within your startup, it is usual for one to be nominated as my primary point of contact.  This allows communication to be streamlined and ensures that another person (in addition to me) has verified independent access to all of the technology components being used.

IPR Transfer

The payment of my monthly invoice to you automatically triggers transfer of any IPR relating to custom development performed during the month. This ensures that your business always has full IPR ownership of core code components.

Getting in Touch

Please use the form below to reach out and make contact with me.  Alternatively, you can click the email icon below to send me an email.I look forward to hearing from you!  Thank you, David.

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