The first large customer usually arrives with a security review attached. If your architecture, cloud setup and access controls were decided in a hurry, that review turns into weeks of rework. A fractional CTO who thinks about security from the start keeps that from happening.
Where I help most
- Architecture and cloud choices that are simple to secure and simple to explain to a buyer.
- Identity and access: who can reach production, how, and how that is logged.
- Vendor and tool decisions, including whether an AI service is safe to send customer data to.
- Hiring and managing engineers or outside developers.
- Getting ready for customer security reviews and, for health products, the HIPAA requirements that come with a Business Associate Agreement.
How engagements work
Most clients start with a few hours of advisory at $225 an hour or office hours at $1,250 per month. I review what exists, talk to the team and help you set priorities, owners and dates. For an embedded fractional CTO on a weekly cadence with a service level, Dark Edge Consulting offers vCTO retainers. Healthtech companies that also need a HIPAA risk analysis can add one at $3,950.
Who this is for
Founders without a technical cofounder, small teams whose lead engineer is stretched thin, and companies about to sell to healthcare, finance or enterprise buyers.
If any of this sounds like your situation, book a 30-minute call and tell me a little about your organization. I reply personally.
Need ongoing management? See Dark Edge plans.