Clicky

Apex CTO Apex CTO George Viaud — Fractional CTO
Fractional CTO — Technology Consulting

Strategy through hands-on delivery

Fractional CTO services, at a fraction of the cost. Technology strategy and quarterly roadmaps, architecture and hands-on engineering, decision facilitation, and execution management — through fractional and retained consulting engagements.

Experience
25+ Years
Engagement Model
Fractional + Embedded
Scope
Strategy → Build
Status
Accepting 2026 Clients
The Gap

Right-sized technology leadership for your business

Through fractional and retained engagements, I help founders, boards, and investors define technical direction, architect scalable systems, and build them - hands-on when that's what moves things forward - while aligning engineering execution with business outcomes, all at a fraction of the cost and risk of a full-time hire.

Profile

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 bring that operational CTO experience - plus hands-on architecture and engineering - to fractional and retained consulting engagements. Whether you need strategic direction, a hands-on architect to design and build critical systems, or both, let's schedule a discovery call to see how I can help. I'm currently accepting new clients for 2026.

How I Help

Leadership and delivery, under one engagement

Architecture & Build

Architecture & Hands-On Build

Software and system architecture, hands-on engineering, and technical delivery - building, refactoring, and integrating systems across back-end, front-end, data pipelines, cloud (AWS/GCP), AI/ML integration, APIs, and performance, reliability, and security hardening.

Strategy

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.

Governance

Decision Facilitation & Governance

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

Process

Team & Process Optimization

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

Execution

Execution & Results Management

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

Coverage

Multi-Role Coverage

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

Augmentation

Role Augmentation

Support existing CTO/Lead roles with organization and growth strategies.

How I Work

Contracted engagements, not a hire

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 strategic leadership, hands-on architecture and build, or both

  • Weekly standing call + async advisory, monthly status memo and decision records
  • Short advisory engagements or longer-term embedded architecture/build engagements - your call

I customize engagements based on your specific needs, stage, and goals - from short-term strategic advisory to longer-term embedded architecture and build engagements. Every engagement is a defined, contracted relationship structured around outcomes, not a hire. Monthly retainer engagements are customized based on scope and engagement level - let's discuss what makes sense for your specific situation.

CORE

Core

Weekly advisory and strategic guidance.

Monthly roadmap and decision records.

GROWTH

Growth

Enhanced cadence with workshops.

Priority access and faster response.

PARTNER

Partner

Comprehensive leadership support.

Maximum access, strategic partnership.

Why Choose Me

Deep experience, low risk, flexible scope

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.

FAQ

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 - and when it's the right lever, that means rolling up my sleeves to architect and build, not just advise. I'm embedded in your business for the length of the engagement and responsible for driving results, working as an independent contractor on a defined, contracted engagement. I don't just tell you what to do - I stay to guide, adjust, build, and ensure success through your team.

Do you do hands-on technical work, or just strategy?

Both. I architect and build - software and system architecture and implementation, back-end and front-end development, data pipelines, cloud infrastructure, AI/ML integration, API design, and performance, reliability, and security hardening - alongside strategic leadership. Some engagements are advisory-only; others are longer-term retained architecture or build engagements. Either way, it's a defined, contracted engagement.

Do you work with companies that already have a CTO?

Yes! I can augment existing CTO/Lead teams to help them better organize, grow, and scale. This includes strategic support, hands-on architecture or engineering bandwidth for complex projects, and process improvement - scoped as a consulting engagement alongside your existing leadership, not a replacement for it.

What roles can you fill beyond CTO?

Product Manager, Project Manager, Architect, and related functions. Depending on what the engagement calls for, that can mean strategic leadership, hands-on architecture and build work, or both.

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.

Who This Is For

Companies facing critical technology decisions

I work with companies that need strategic technology leadership, hands-on architecture and build support, or both - and aren't ready for (or don't want) a full-time hire. 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 or delivery challenges that impact your business growth, let's talk.

Now Accepting Clients for 2026

Ready to accelerate your technology goals?

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

Contact Me →