Frequently Asked Questions - Founder's Tech Partner | Fractional CTO | Manolakeris Consultancy

Question 1

What does a fractional CTO in the Netherlands do for a startup?

Accepted Answer

A fractional CTO provides high-level technology leadership and strategy on a part-time basis. This includes developing a product roadmap, managing technical debt, making key architectural decisions, and ensuring your technology aligns with your business goals. It gives you access to executive-level expertise without the cost of a full-time C-suite hire.

Question 2

How do you help build a scalable tech stack?

Accepted Answer

I help you choose the right technologies and architecture to support your growth. This involves selecting services that can scale, ensuring your systems are loosely coupled for flexibility, and implementing automation for key operational processes. The goal is to build a foundation that won't need to be completely rebuilt a year or two down the line.

Question 3

What is the cost of hiring a part-time CTO vs a full-time one?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a part-time CTO is significantly lower than a full-time executive, making it an ideal solution for startups and scale-ups. You get the strategic guidance you need for a fraction of the cost of a full-time salary, benefits, and equity package. My Founder's Tech Partner service is designed to provide this value in a predictable, monthly retainer.

Question 4

What kind of founder is the "Founder's Tech Partner" service for?

Accepted Answer

This service is designed for founders and leaders of Dutch scale-ups who find themselves spending too much time on IT issues instead of focusing on their core business. It's for those who need a strategic technology partner for scale-ups to manage their tech stack, security, and operational efficiency, providing peace of mind and expert guidance without the cost of a full-time CTO.

Question 5

How does this service help manage technical debt?

Accepted Answer

A key part of the fractional CTO role is to proactively manage technical debt. During our quarterly or monthly strategic reviews, we'll identify parts of your tech stack that are becoming a bottleneck. The "Efficiency Sprints" included in the Growth Partner plan are specifically designed to address these issues, whether it's refactoring code, migrating a service, or implementing new automation.

Question 6

What is a "SaaS Spend Optimization Sprint"?

Accepted Answer

This is a fixed-price project designed to solve "SaaS Sprawl," where companies are often paying for redundant or unused software licenses. I conduct a full audit of your subscriptions (like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Slack, etc.) to eliminate waste, recover licenses, and provide a clear dashboard for ongoing cost control, helping you reduce SaaS spending for scale-ups.

Question 7

When is the right time for a startup to hire a CTO?

Accepted Answer

Startups should consider a fractional CTO when technology becomes a bottleneck to growth, but before they're ready for the financial commitment of a full-time executive. If you're spending more time on IT issues than your product or customers, or if you need to secure investment with a strong tech plan, it's the right time to bring in strategic technology leadership.

Question 8

How do you ensure technology is aligned with our business goals?

Accepted Answer

This is the central purpose of the Founder's Tech Partner service. We start by mapping your business objectives to a clear technology roadmap. Through regular strategic reviews, we ensure every technology decision—from your daily operations to your long-term tech stack—directly supports your growth, profitability, and strategic vision.

Founder's Tech Partner

A Partnership for Peace of Mind & Growth

The Essential Partner

The Growth Partner

Targeted Optimization Sprints

SaaS Spend Optimization Sprint

Ideal for identifying savings in:

Fractional CTO FAQ

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