Question 1

What engagement format?

Accepted Answer

Three options: board participation (1 quarterly meeting + async access), flexible advisor (3-5h/month mixing calls + written), one-off due diligence for investors (fixed-price over 2-4 weeks). Minimum 6-month engagement for the first two formats.

Question 2

What's your rate?

Accepted Answer

Monthly retainer for the recurring advisor format (depending on hours), fixed-price for due diligence. For early-stage, I'm open to a cash + equity mix adapted to stage and scope. We sort out the numbers at the discovery.

Question 3

Do you sit on board meetings or is it 1-on-1 with the CEO?

Accepted Answer

Both depending on the format. In "flex advisor", it's mostly 1-on-1 CEO + written. In "board", I attend quarterly meetings and stay available async between sessions. I can also challenge your investors directly if you want tech backup.

Question 4

What topics do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Major architecture decisions (build vs buy, stack choice, rewrite vs incremental), technical pivots, fundraising due diligence (startup side or VC side), tech leader hiring (sourcing, interviews, negotiation), roadmap arbitration.

Question 5

What's the difference with CTO as a service?

Accepted Answer

Advisor = punctual and strategic (you stay in charge of decisions and execution). CTO as a service = I own technical leadership directly. If you have an internal CTO and want a senior sparring partner, it's advisory. If you don't have a CTO, it's more likely CTO as a service.

Question 6

Do you sign NDA and advisor agreement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on all engagements. FAST (Founder/Advisor Standard Template) advisor agreement for equity engagements, standard NDA for the rest. No public mention without written approval.

Advisory & Board

Key Points

Related Competencies

Frequently asked questions