Fractional CTO services for startups that need systems built right the first time.
What I Do
Technical leadership for startups navigating growth. I architect AI/ML systems, build teams, and take products from pilot to production. Typical engagement: 90-day sprints focused on system stabilization, team scaling, or technical roadmap development.
The Gap I Fill
Most technical leaders are great at either strategy or execution. I do both.
I've taken systems from "it works on my laptop" to "it handles production load without breaking." I've recruited teams, secured patents, and led companies through acquisition. I specialize in the messy middle—the critical phase between prototype and scale where most startups fail.
20+ years: Microsoft, WebMD, and multiple startup CTOs
Expertise: AI/ML, Cloud Architecture (AWS/Azure/GCP), HIPAA Compliance
Patents: Carbon capture optimization systems
Education: Executive MBA (Tampa), BS Computer Science & Engineering (USF)
Technical Due Diligence
Pre-investment technical assessment for VCs and acquirers. I evaluate codebases, architecture decisions, team capabilities, and technical debt. Deliverable: comprehensive risk assessment and remediation roadmap within 2 weeks.
AI/ML System Architecture
Production-ready AI/ML systems for computer vision, NLP, and edge AI. I design systems that survive real users, real data, and real constraints—addressing scalability, cost optimization, and failure modes.
HIPAA-Compliant System Design
Healthcare technology infrastructure that meets compliance requirements. Security architecture, data handling protocols, encryption strategies, and audit-ready documentation. Get compliance right from the start—retrofitting costs 10x more.
Climate Tech & Carbon Capture Consulting
Technical strategy for carbon removal companies. Patent holder in direct air capture systems (US Patent 12,161,966 B1). Services include AI optimization algorithms, predictive maintenance systems, technical roadmaps, IP strategy, and grant writing for DOE, ARPA-E, and NSF SBIR programs.
Recent Work
CC&C (Climate Tech)
Developed AI algorithms for direct air capture optimization, recruited and led engineering team from concept to pilot, secured multiple patents.
Active Insights (Computer Vision)
Architected edge and cloud computer vision systems, designed scalable microservices architecture, positioned company for successful acquisition.
MyButterfly (Health AI)
Built HIPAA-compliant AI platform for multilingual medical communication, implemented security protocols and data infrastructure.
How It Works
Initial Consultation: 30-minute call to understand your challenge
Proposal: Clear scope, timeline, and deliverables within 48 hours
Engagement: Fixed-price projects or monthly retainers
Results: Systems that scale, teams that ship, technical debt eliminated
Typical rates: $250/hour or $20K/month retainer for fractional CTO work.
Let's Talk
sam@1focus.us
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