Apex CTO - Technology Leadership Now

Strategic Technology Leadership

At a Fraction of the Cost

Let me fill the Tech Leadership Gap

Right-Sized for Your Business

Through fractional engagements, I aim to help founders, boards, and investors define technical direction, architect scalable systems, and align engineering execution with business outcomes - all at a fraction of the cost and risk of permanent hiring.

About George Viaud

I have spent over 25 years building and leading technology across hardware, software, and digital platforms. My experience spans Principal Electrical Engineer, Firmware Developer, Systems Architect, Systems Administrator, Principal Software Engineer, and CTO roles. I have led engineering teams in designing and operating scalable platforms, managed full-cycle product development, and guided technology strategy from early-stage architecture through at-scale operations.

Most recently, I spent 11 years as CTO leading technology at scale in an AdTech and Performance Based Marketing company. Aside from corporate leadership, I have run my own consultancy, providing technical direction and solutions across industries. I also co-founded and scaled a startup in sustainable food systems, giving me firsthand perspective on entrepreneurship, operations, and growth challenges outside of pure technology.

Now, I'm bringing that operational CTO experience to fractional engagements. Let's schedule a discovery call to see how I can help you define technical direction, architect scalable systems, and align engineering execution with business outcomes - all at a fraction of the cost and risk of permanent hiring. I'm currently accepting founding clients for 2026.

How I Can Help

Strategic Leadership & Planning

Technology strategy, quarterly roadmaps, stakeholder alignment facilitation, and identifying where the real value is to reach your business goals faster, cheaper, better

Decision Facilitation & Architecture

Facilitate architecture decisions, vendor/talent selection, delivery governance, and strategic choices that drive business results

Team & Process Optimization

Streamline development workflows, implement best practices, and optimize team productivity

Execution & Results Management

Execution cadence with clear KPIs, goal tracking, and ensuring you reach your business objectives

Multi-Role Coverage

Fill gaps for Product Manager, Project Manager, Architect, and related roles

Role Augmentation

Support existing CTO/Lead roles with organization and growth strategies

How I Work

Right-Sized Onramp (2–4 weeks)

Start fast, align priorities, and set the plan

  • Month 1 is prepaid; time used counts toward your first month's cap
  • If your needs evolve, I right-size your tier at month-end

Monthly Retainer

Ongoing leadership with defined cadence and artifacts

  • Weekly standing call + async advisory
  • Monthly status memo and decision records

How We Might Work Together

I customize engagements based on your specific needs, stage, and goals. Here are examples of how we could structure our work together:

Core

Weekly advisory and strategic guidance

Monthly roadmap and decision records

Growth

Enhanced cadence with workshops

Priority access and faster response times

Strategic

Leadership cadence and strategic planning

Same-day response and expanded access

Partner

Comprehensive leadership support

Maximum access and strategic partnership

Monthly retainer engagements typically range from $2,500 to $15,000+ depending on scope and engagement level.

Let's discuss what makes sense for your specific situation and budget.

Why Choose Me

Deep Experience

25+ years of technology experience across multiple industries and company stages

Cost-Effective

Costs a fraction of hiring permanent full-time roles

Fast Results

Faster decisions and clearer accountability

Low Risk

No long-term commitment, immediate start, 11 years of CTO experience

Comprehensive

Covers multiple roles (CTO, Product, Project, Architect) in one engagement

Flexible

Right-sized Onramp designed to fit your specific needs

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Expect

How do engagements start?

With an Onramp: a 2-4 week window tied to month one of your retainer. It's prepaid, time-capped, and focused on discovery, prioritization, and near-term decision-making. Time used counts toward your first month's cap.

How is this different from consulting?

Unlike consultants who deliver plans and recommendations, I own outcomes. I'm embedded in your business for extended periods and responsible for driving results. I don't just tell you what to do - I stay to guide, adjust, and ensure success through your team.

Do you work with companies that already have a CTO?

Yes! I can augment existing CTO/Lead roles to help them better organize, grow, and scale. This includes providing strategic support, process improvement, and additional bandwidth for complex projects.

What roles can you fill beyond CTO?

I can provide strategic leadership for Product Manager, Project Manager, Architect, and related roles. My focus is on the strategic thinking and decision-making aspects rather than hands-on execution.

What do we get each month?

A clear cadence (standing call + async), decision/architecture records, and a monthly memo with KPIs, risks, and next steps.

How do we get started?

Contact me to book a fit call. If aligned, I'll propose an Onramp and recommended tier to begin within 1-2 weeks.

What I'm Not

All-Nighter Coder

I can write code and help solve tough problems in a pinch, but I'm not your go-to for daily coding tasks. My focus is on strategic leadership, not being the primary developer (devops, etc.).

Figurehead

I don't serve as a public spokesperson or front-man. I'm embedded in your business to drive real results, not just appearances.

Legal Shield

I don't provide legal protection or regulatory compliance oversight. My expertise is in technology strategy, solutions architecture, and identifying high-value opportunities that others miss.

Crisis-Mode Firefighter

While I can help solve immediate issues, I'm more valuable as a strategic leader who builds better processes and architecture to prevent future problems and capture opportunities others miss.

Who This Is For

I work with companies that need strategic technology leadership but aren't ready for (or can't afford) a full-time CTO. Whether you're a startup, small to mid-sized business, PE-backed company, or have an existing tech lead who needs support, if you're facing critical technology decisions that impact your business growth, let's talk.

Get Started

Now Accepting Clients for 2026 Engagements

Book a fit call. If aligned, we'll begin with a Right-Sized Onramp and recommended tier within 1–2 weeks.

Ready to accelerate towards your technology goals? Let's talk.

Contact Me