Notes on technical value creation.
Short essays on diligence, the first 100 days, and the technology decisions PE-backed operators actually get wrong. New pieces published on weekdays.
- Revenue & GTM / RevOps
RevOps for Private Equity Portfolio Companies
RevOps for private equity portfolio companies is not a CRM clean-up project. It is the operating system for revenue accountability: data, process, handoffs, forecasting, pricing discipline and GTM execution. The real question is whether the company needs tooling, governance, leadership or a sharper value creation plan.
October 16, 2026 - Exit Readiness / Sell-Side
Exit Planning Technology Advisor for Sell-Side Readiness
A practical guide for PE sponsors, operating partners and mid-market CEOs preparing a technology business, or a tech-enabled company, for exit. I explain what buyers really mean by technology risk, how to choose the right advisory route, and when an exit planning technology advisor is not the right tool.
October 15, 2026 - Exit Readiness / Sell-Side
Middle Market Exit Planning Advisor for Sell-Side Readiness
A practical guide for owners, sponsors and CEOs evaluating a middle market exit planning advisor before a sale process. It explains what buyers really want, how to choose the right advisory model, where technology and operations create risk, and when a lighter written brief is enough.
October 14, 2026 - Revenue & GTM / RevOps
Revenue growth management advisory private equity
Revenue growth management advisory in private equity is not a generic sales consultancy search. Sponsors and CEOs usually need a second opinion on pricing, pipeline quality, RevOps discipline and the operating plan before more capital is committed. This article explains when advisory helps, how to choose the right model, and when it is the wrong tool.
October 13, 2026 - Technical Due Diligence
Technology Due Diligence Advisor Private Equity Guide
Private equity buyers use technical diligence to avoid paying growth multiples for fragile platforms. This guide explains what a technology due diligence advisor actually does, how to choose one, where the tradeoffs sit, and when a focused advisory review is more useful than a large vendor exercise.
October 12, 2026 - M&A / PMI / Integration
M&A Integration Advisor Private Equity: A Practical Guide
Private equity integration work is not about producing a pretty PMI deck. It is about protecting the investment thesis after signing, aligning management on hard tradeoffs, and turning diligence findings into operating decisions. This guide explains when an advisor helps, when they do not, and how I would structure the role.
October 9, 2026 - Exit Readiness / Sell-Side
Portfolio Company Exit Planning Advisor for Sponsors
A practical guide for PE sponsors and CEOs deciding whether to bring in a portfolio company exit planning advisor before launching a sell-side process. Covers buyer expectations, timing, decision criteria, alternatives, and where technology, data and operating evidence can protect valuation.
October 8, 2026 - Exit Readiness / Sell-Side
Exit Preparation Advisor Private Equity: Sell-Side Readiness
A practical guide for sponsors and CEOs preparing a portfolio company for exit. I explain what an exit preparation advisor in private equity should actually do, where the role fits against bankers and diligence providers, and how I would structure sell-side readiness before the market gets involved.
October 7, 2026 - Portfolio Company Audit
Portfolio Operations Advisor for Private Equity: Portco Audit
A portfolio operations advisor for private equity is useful when a sponsor needs an independent operating view across technology, process, leadership and execution risk. This article explains what buyers really mean by the search, how to choose the right advisory model, and when a portfolio company audit is not the right tool.
October 6, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Fractional CTO services for PE-backed companies
PE sponsors and portfolio CEOs usually search for fractional CTO support when technology has become a value creation issue, not just an IT problem. This article explains what the role should cover, when to use it, when not to, and how I would structure the engagement.
October 5, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Interim CTO for Portfolio Company: A PE Playbook
An interim CTO for a portfolio company is not just a temporary engineering manager. For PE sponsors and CEOs, it is a targeted operating role used when technology risk, leadership gaps, diligence findings or value creation work need senior judgement before a permanent CTO is hired.
October 2, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Outsourced CTO for Portfolio Company: A PE Guide
An outsourced CTO for a portfolio company is not usually about renting a technologist. It is about giving the sponsor, board, and CEO a senior technical operator who can challenge assumptions, prioritise risk, and turn technology into a practical value creation agenda without adding a permanent executive too early.
October 1, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Fractional CIO for Private Equity: A Practical Guide
A fractional CIO for private equity is usually not a part-time IT manager. Sponsors are looking for senior judgement across diligence, post-close value creation, cyber risk, systems integration and portfolio governance. This guide explains when the role works, when it does not, and how I would structure it.
September 30, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Technology Leadership for Portfolio Companies
Technology leadership for portfolio companies is usually less about writing code and more about judgement: what to fix, what to fund, what to stop, and how to give sponsors confidence without overwhelming management. This article explains the options, tradeoffs, decision framework and where fractional leadership fits.
September 29, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Technology Advisor for PE-Backed Company
A PE-backed company rarely needs generic technology advice. It needs a senior operator who can translate investment priorities into architecture, product, data, security and team decisions. This article explains what buyers mean by the term, how to choose the right model, and when a fractional technology advisor is the wrong answer.
September 28, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Outsourced Technology Leadership Private Equity Guide
Private equity sponsors search for outsourced technology leadership when a portfolio company has real technology risk but not enough clarity for a permanent C-level hire. This guide explains the buying intent, decision framework, options, tradeoffs, and when a fractional operating partner is the right move.
September 25, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Fractional CTO Retainer Private Equity: When It Works
A fractional CTO retainer can give a PE sponsor or portfolio CEO a standing second opinion on technology risk, product delivery, cyber exposure and value creation. The model works best when the mandate is advisory, decision-focused and tied to a 100-day or board-level operating rhythm.
September 24, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Engineering Leadership for Portfolio Companies
Portfolio companies often need stronger technology judgement before they need more engineers. This article explains what buyers mean by engineering leadership for portfolio companies, how to choose the right model, when fractional support works, and when it is the wrong tool.
September 23, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Interim Chief Transformation Officer Private Equity
An interim transformation leader can help a PE-backed company turn a value creation thesis into operating cadence, technology priorities and accountable execution. The role works best when the mandate is specific, sponsor-aligned and tied to measurable initiatives rather than vague transformation theatre.
September 22, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Part-Time CTO for Private Equity: When It Works
A part-time CTO for private equity is not a cheap replacement for a permanent technology leader. Used well, it is a retained senior advisor who helps sponsors and CEOs underwrite technology risk, prioritise value creation, and keep technical decisions commercially grounded.
September 21, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Fractional CTO First 100 Days: A Practical Plan
The fractional CTO first 100 days are not about theatrical transformation. They are about forming a clear technology thesis, exposing the real risks, resetting priorities, and giving the CEO or sponsor a practical operating cadence that makes better technology decisions visible.
September 18, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Interim CTO for Private Equity: When to Bring One In
An interim CTO for private equity is not just a temporary technology executive. Used well, it is a standing operating partner for technical judgement: assessing risk, stabilising teams, prioritising the first 100 days and helping sponsors avoid expensive technology surprises before and after close.
September 17, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Fractional CTO for Mid-Market Private Equity
A fractional CTO is not a part-time developer, a masked agency, or a ceremonial adviser. For mid-market private equity, the right role is a retained technology operator who helps sponsors and management teams make better calls before close, during the first 100 days, and through value creation.
September 16, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
CTO as a service for portfolio companies
Portfolio companies often need senior technology judgement before they need another executive hire. CTO as a service for portfolio companies usually means retained advisory, interim leadership, board-level challenge and a second opinion for sponsors when product, engineering, data or AI decisions affect value creation.
September 15, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Hire a Fractional CTO for a Portfolio Company
When a portfolio company needs stronger technology leadership, a fractional CTO can be the right bridge between diligence findings, management priorities and practical execution. The real question is not whether the title sounds useful, but whether the business needs retained judgement, interim leadership or a specific technical decision resolved.
September 14, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Fractional CTO for private equity: when it works
A fractional CTO for private equity is not a cheap substitute for an executive hire. Used well, it is a retained second opinion for diligence, 100-day planning, technology governance and CEO support when the asset needs senior technical judgement before a permanent structure is clear.
September 11, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Fractional CTO for Portfolio Company: The PE Guide
A fractional CTO for a portfolio company is usually not just a part-time technologist. PE sponsors and mid-market CEOs use the role to pressure-test the roadmap, steady engineering leadership, translate diligence into action and avoid over-hiring before the value creation thesis is clear.
September 10, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Outsourced Operating Partner Private Equity: When It Works
An outsourced operating partner can give a PE sponsor or mid-market CEO senior operating judgement without another full-time hire. The model works best for focused diligence, value creation planning, technology leadership gaps and standing second opinions where decision quality matters more than bench size.
September 9, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Executive Technology Advisor Portfolio Company Playbook
A practical guide for PE sponsors and mid-market CEOs deciding when an executive technology advisor can help a portfolio company. It explains what buyers usually mean by the term, how to choose between advisory options, when it is the wrong tool, and how I would structure the engagement.
September 8, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Portfolio Technology Advisor Private Equity: Fractional Operator
A portfolio technology advisor in private equity is not another delivery vendor. Used well, it is a standing second opinion for sponsors, operating partners and CEOs on diligence, 100-day planning, technology risk, product leverage and operating cadence across selected assets.
September 7, 2026 - Fractional C-Suite (beyond CTO)
Interim CIO for Private Equity Portfolio: When It Works
An interim CIO can be useful for a private equity portfolio company when technology leadership, IT risk, systems integration or value creation needs board-level attention. The key is knowing whether you need operating judgement, full-time ownership, a transformation lead or simply a sharper second opinion.
September 4, 2026 - Fractional C-Suite (beyond CTO)
Fractional Data Leader Private Equity Playbook
A fractional data leader can help a private equity-backed business turn messy reporting, weak governance and underused customer data into a practical value creation agenda. The key is knowing whether you need a strategist, interim operator, board-level second opinion or a full-time hire.
September 3, 2026 - Fractional C-Suite (beyond CTO)
Fractional Product Officer for Portfolio Company
A fractional product officer can help a portfolio company translate market pressure, customer feedback, roadmap noise, and commercial targets into disciplined product decisions. This article explains what buyers usually mean by the role, when it works, when it does not, and how I would structure the engagement.
September 2, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Portfolio Value Creation Advisor for Mid-Market Sponsors
A portfolio value creation advisor is not another slide-maker. For mid-market sponsors, the right advisor acts as a standing operating second opinion: validating priorities, pressure-testing technology choices, and helping management convert the investment thesis into a practical value creation plan.
September 1, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Outsourced Chief Digital Officer Private Equity
Private equity sponsors often need senior digital judgement before the portfolio company is ready for a permanent CDO. An outsourced chief digital officer can help assess risk, shape the 100-day plan, challenge vendors and guide management without adding another full-time executive too early.
August 31, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Independent Board Advisor Private Equity: When to Use One
An independent board advisor for private equity is not another consultant in the room. Used well, it is a standing second opinion for sponsors, operating partners and CEOs when technology, growth, delivery risk or post-close execution has to be judged quickly and without internal politics.
August 28, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Technology Board Advisor Private Equity: Practical Guide
Private equity sponsors usually search for technology board advice when diligence, a new platform, an underperforming CTO, or a value creation plan needs sharper judgement. This guide explains what the role should cover, how to choose the right advisor, and when a fractional operating partner is the better fit.
August 27, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Portfolio Operations Partner Outsourced: Fractional Guide
A portfolio operations partner outsourced model can give a sponsor or CEO senior operating judgement without hiring a full-time partner. This guide explains what buyers usually mean, how to compare fractional options, when the model fails, and how I would structure the first engagement.
August 26, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Value Creation Operating Partner Private Equity Guide
Sponsors search for value creation operating partner private equity support when the investment thesis is clear but execution risk is rising. This guide explains what the role should mean, where a fractional operating partner fits, how to choose the right model, and when not to use it.
August 25, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Technology Operating Partner as a Service
Technology operating partner as a service is usually shorthand for retained senior technology judgement: pre-deal diligence, post-close value creation, CTO oversight, and a standing second opinion for sponsors and CEOs. The right model depends on risk, urgency, management depth, and whether you need advice, execution, or interim leadership.
August 24, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Digital Operating Partner as a Service: When It Works
A digital operating partner as a service is usually a retained, fractional advisory relationship for sponsors and mid-market CEOs who need senior technology judgement without adding a full-time executive. This guide explains what buyers mean, how to decide, which options to compare, and when it is the wrong tool.
August 21, 2026 - Fractional C-Suite (beyond CTO)
Fractional Technology Executive Private Equity Guide
Private equity teams often need senior technology judgement before they can justify a full-time hire. A fractional technology executive can give sponsors and CEOs board-level clarity, operating cadence, diligence support, and value-creation discipline without turning every problem into a transformation programme.
August 20, 2026 - Fractional C-Suite (beyond CTO)
Portfolio CIO Services for PE-Backed Companies
Portfolio CIO services are usually sought when a sponsor needs senior technology judgement across several companies, not another implementation vendor. This guide explains what buyers mean by the term, how to decide the right model, where it fits against other options, and when a fractional CIO is the wrong tool.
August 19, 2026 - Fractional C-Suite (beyond CTO)
Interim Executives for Private Equity: Practical Guide
Interim executives for private equity are not just emergency cover. Used well, they are a way to stabilise leadership, test the value creation plan, de-risk a functional gap and buy time for the right permanent hire without slowing the deal thesis.
August 18, 2026 - Fractional C-Suite (beyond CTO)
Fractional CIO for Portfolio Company: PE Playbook
A fractional CIO for a portfolio company is not a cheaper CIO. It is a retained operating advisor who helps the sponsor and management team make better technology, systems, data, security and vendor decisions during a defined value creation window.
August 17, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Executive Advisor for Private Equity Portfolio
A practical guide for PE sponsors and portfolio CEOs considering an executive advisor for private equity portfolio work: what the search usually means, how to choose between a fractional operating partner, interim leader or consultant, when the model fails, and how I would structure the engagement.
August 14, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Technology Operating Partner Private Equity: Fractional Guide
Private equity teams searching for a technology operating partner usually need more than diligence and less than a full-time CTO. This guide explains what the role should cover, how to decide between advisory options, when a fractional operating partner fits, and when it is the wrong tool.
August 13, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Operating Advisor for PE-Backed Company: Fractional Help
A PE-backed company rarely needs generic advice. It needs operating judgement, pace and a second opinion that can sit between the sponsor, CEO and functional leaders. This guide explains when a fractional operating advisor is useful, how to choose one, and when another option is better.
August 12, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Digital Operating Partner Private Equity: Fractional Support
A digital operating partner for private equity is usually not another vendor search. Sponsors use the term when they need senior technology judgment across diligence, 100-day planning, value creation and board-level execution pressure without adding a full-time operator too early.
August 11, 2026 - M&A
Private Equity Value Creation Consulting: 7 Consultants for Portfolios
Buyers hiring M&A consultants are usually solving one of two problems, and the firms that solve them are rarely the same. This guide covers the four jobs M&A consultants are hired for, seven firms and what each is built for, where mid-market integrations break, and the appointment buyers most often regret skipping.
August 10, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Board Advisor for Portfolio Company Technology
A board advisor for portfolio company technology gives sponsors and CEOs a retained second opinion on technology risk, roadmap, cost and value creation. The role works best when the portfolio company needs judgement at board altitude, not another delivery team or a generic consultant report.
August 10, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Independent Operating Advisor Private Equity
Private equity sponsors usually look for an independent operating advisor when a portfolio company needs senior judgement, not another delivery vendor. This guide explains what the search really means, how to choose the right model, when a fractional operating partner helps, and when it is the wrong tool.
August 7, 2026 - Value Creation Plan / 100-Day
100-Day Async Value Creation Playbook Template
Most 100-day plans fail because they are built as a meeting schedule. This is a copy-paste template built the other way around: five operating levers, a week-by-week structure, initiative records, decision logs, a written weekly update, and the checklist of what must be true at day 100.
August 6, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Fractional Value Creation Partner for PE Sponsors
A fractional value creation partner helps sponsors and CEOs turn the investment thesis into operating cadence, technology priorities, and measurable execution. The best use case is not generic consulting. It is senior, retained judgement across diligence, the first 100 days, and value creation moments where speed and tradeoffs matter.
August 6, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Outsourced Operating Partner Portfolio Company Guide
An outsourced operating partner for a portfolio company is not a generic consultant or delivery vendor. It is a senior operator who gives the sponsor and management team a standing second opinion, drives cadence, sharpens technology decisions, and helps translate the value creation plan into practical execution.
August 5, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Operating Partner as a Service for Mid-Market Deals
Operating partner as a service is usually shorthand for fractional senior operating support: someone who helps a sponsor, board or CEO make better value creation decisions without hiring a full-time executive. This guide explains what buyers mean, how to choose the right model, and when it is the wrong tool.
August 4, 2026 - Operating Partner (fractional)
Fractional Operating Partner Private Equity Guide
A fractional operating partner can give private equity sponsors senior operating judgement before, during and after a deal without creating another full-time seat. This guide explains what buyers mean by the term, when it works, when it does not, and how I would structure the relationship.
August 3, 2026 - Value Creation Plan / 100-Day
100 Day Value Creation Plan for PE-Backed Companies
A practical guide for PE sponsors, operating partners, and mid-market leadership teams building a 100 day value creation plan. Learn what the term really means, how to decide what belongs in the plan, which options to compare, and when a 100-day plan is the wrong tool.
August 3, 2026 - Fractional CTO / Tech Leadership
Fractional CTO Cost: What Sponsors Should Budget
Fractional CTO cost is not just a day rate question. Sponsors and operators need to match the mandate, risk level, team maturity and reporting cadence to the right operating model. This guide breaks down typical pricing, decision criteria, alternatives and when a fractional CTO is the wrong tool.
July 17, 2026