Funded Startups (Seed–Series A)
Real capital, thin technical bench. We embed to build the GTM engine, integrations, and internal systems you need without the overhead of a full-time VP Eng hire.
Engineered for Growth.
For Funded Startups
& Companies Targeting PE Acquisition.
Forward Deployed Engineering: buy-side-grade financial rigor paired with embedded technical execution. For startups, that means building the GTM engine and the technical systems you don't have in-house yet. For businesses targeting a PE acquisition, it means a financial model, GTM story, and systems that survive diligence — built by the operator who ships, not the consultant who reports and leaves. We've advised 300+ businesses across 10+ industries.
300+
Businesses advised
10+
Industries served
1-3 months*
Typical engagement timeline
5★
Client rated
Engagement Impact
EBITDA Margin Impact
+18%
Mo 1
Mo 3
↑ Engagement Start
Mo 9
Mo 12
Built into every engagement
Systems that convert, automation from day one, and reporting built for a board.
Systems
✓
Automation
✓
Rigor
✓
For Startups & Companies on the Path to Acquisition
Forward Deployed Engineering. Not Another Consultant.
Forward Deployed Engineering pairs financial and operating rigor — the same language funds and boards speak — with AI-augmented technical execution. Not a deck, not a report, not a quarterly check-in: an operator embedded with your team who builds and ships, backed by real buy-side market experience.
Companies Targeting PE Acquisition
We get ready what an investment committee actually reviews: a financial model and growth story that survive diligence, a GTM engine that reads as repeatable — not founder-dependent — and systems cleaned up before a PE associate starts pulling the thread.
Post-Close: First 100 Days
If the deal closes, the same engagement carries through — owning execution of the 100-day value creation plan and speaking your fund's language from day one.
Why Businesses Choose Us
Growth Isn't a Deliverable. It's the Result.
We look at your whole business and put the right pieces to work — design, visibility, follow-up, automation — so customers find you and choose you.
✓ SYSTEMS
Built to Work, Not Just Look Good
Every engagement starts with understanding what's actually costing you time or customers, then we build the system — site, automation, or internal tool — that fixes it.
✓ AUTOMATION
Work You No Longer Do by Hand
Customer follow-up, reminders, reporting — we find what eats your time every week and automate it.
✓ VISIBILITY
Found Where Your Customers Search
Optimized for both search engines and AI answer engines — Google, Bing, ChatGPT, and Claude — so you're found no matter where someone looks.
✓ PARTNER
More Than a Vendor
We don't deliver a project and disappear. We keep working with you — automation, AI, and business strategy — as your company grows.
How We Work With You
Engagements Built Around Systems, Not Deliverables
One engagement model, three levels of intensity. Start where it makes sense and scale — up or down — as your business changes. No long-term contract, no junior staffing layer.
On-Demand Access
Advisory
Priced to scope
Senior strategic access — without hiring anyone
- ✓ Architecture, financial model, and GTM strategy review
- ✓ Investor-lens second opinion on your deck, model, or roadmap
- ✓ Buy-side rigor without adding headcount
- ✓ Scales into Fractional Partner the moment scope grows
Most Common Engagement
Fractional Partner
Priced to scope
Embedded several days a week — building, not just advising
- ✓ Everything in Advisory
- ✓ Systems, financial models & data integrations shipped weekly
- ✓ Board-ready reporting, on your cadence
- ✓ Fluent in fund language — EBITDA, value creation plans, 100-day plans
- ✓ Direct line to the person building — no account layer
Post-Close & Scaling Fast
Embedded Operator
Priced to scope
Daily involvement — owns execution, reports to your board
- ✓ Everything in Fractional Partner
- ✓ Daily involvement — in the room, not on a weekly call
- ✓ Owns execution of your 100-day value creation plan
- ✓ Month-to-month engagement, cancel anytime
Every tier includes: Systems & automation where scope calls for it • Scale up or down month to month • Direct access — no junior staff, no account layer
Custom Engineering
Custom Systems & Apps
Priced to scope
For businesses that need a real product — not just an online presence
- ✓ Software built to solve the exact problem you have
- ✓ Internal tools, portals, or products your team will use every day
- ✓ User roles, permissions, and payments handled securely
- ✓ Connected to the data and systems you already run on
- ✓ Architecture built to scale, not to patch later
- ✓ Priced to scope — defined with you, not before
How We Work
Simple process. Fast results.
01
Scope the Engagement
You tell us where the problem actually is — systems, finance, technology, or growth. We scope the right level of intensity and a clear timeline.
02
We Build and Ship
We work embedded in your operation. You see real progress every week, not a quarterly update.
03
We Scale With You
As your needs change, the engagement scales up or down — month to month, no long-term contract.
Where We've Worked
Buy-Side Rigor Across Every Industry That Matters
Tech & SaaS Startups
Advised on product strategy, fundraising materials, and go-to-market execution.
Companies Targeting PE Acquisition
Diligence-ready financial models, GTM proof, and systems — carrying through to value creation plan execution post-close.
Biotech
Advised on positioning, investor materials, and digital presence for early-stage life sciences companies.
Healthcare
Built professional web presence and patient acquisition strategies for practices.
Real Estate
Custom websites and digital strategy for agents, brokers, and developers.
Construction
Built professional websites and proposal materials that helped win more contracts.
HVAC & Plumbing
Improved online presence to turn website visitors into booked service calls.
Piping & Mechanical
Created digital presence to capture local search traffic and B2B inquiries.
Metal & Glass
Designed B2B-focused sites that generate leads from contractors and builders.
Restaurant & Hospitality
Designed sites and digital strategy that drove more reservations and foot traffic.
Service Businesses
Improved online credibility and lead generation systems for service-based operations.
Energy Companies
Developed digital presence and pitch materials for energy companies pursuing clients and partners.
Non-Profits
Built mission-driven websites and digital strategy to grow donations and cause visibility.
Education
Created online presence and student acquisition tools for educational institutions and learning platforms.
Sports
Developed digital branding, websites, and strategy for sports organizations, athletes, and related ventures.
What Goes Into an FDE Engagement
The Model, the Deck, and the Systems — Not Separate Services
Your financial model, your investor or buyer deck, and the automation that backs up your growth story — built together as part of your Forward Deployed Engineering engagement.
BUILT IN
Investor & Buyer Decks
Institutional-grade decks for capital raises, sell-side diligence, or board updates — built around your numbers, not a template.
Priced to scope
BUILT IN
Financial Models & Valuation
Financial models and valuation work built with buy-side rigor — for acquisition diligence, value creation planning, or your next round.
Priced to scope
BUILT IN
AI & Automation Implementation
A buyer or an investor is going to ask how much of your growth depends on manual work. We've already done that learning curve — delivering automation and data integrations proven for your specific vertical that reduce founder-dependency instead of adding another experiment.
Priced to scope
ON-DEMAND
Strategic Business Advisory
Sometimes you need someone who's been in the room before you sign anything. We bring real buy-side finance, technology, and operating experience across startups and portfolio companies. Whether you're evaluating an acquisition offer, your next round, or just need a sharp second opinion with institutional rigor, we help you think it through.
Priced to scope
Book a Session
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
What is Forward Deployed Engineering?
A model where the technical partner is embedded directly with your team — building and shipping systems, not just advising or presenting a report. It's the technical alternative to traditional consulting, applied to funded startups and businesses on the path to a PE acquisition.
Who do you work with?
Two core client types through Forward Deployed Engineering: funded startups (seed–Series A) building their GTM engine and technical foundation, and companies preparing to be acquired by private equity who need a financial model, GTM story, and systems that survive diligence. We also apply the same rigor to systems, automation, and AI for local businesses.
How is an engagement structured?
One model, three levels of intensity: Advisory for on-demand strategic access, Fractional Partner for embedded hands-on work several days a week, and Embedded Operator for daily, full involvement. Engagements are month-to-month and scale up or down as needs change — pricing is scoped to each business.
Can I see examples of your work?
Yes — see our portfolio, or this sample research report to see the analytical rigor behind our Forward Deployed Engineering work.
How long does an engagement take?
Advisory and Fractional Partner engagements typically start within a week of scoping. All engagements are month-to-month and ongoing, paced to your business and scaled as needs change.
How is this different from a fractional CTO?
A fractional CTO typically leads technical strategy and engineering hires. Forward Deployed Engineering adds buy-side financial fluency to that — we build the systems while speaking the language of the fund (EBITDA, value creation plans, 100-day plans) and understanding what an investment committee or board is actually evaluating.
What does getting PE-acquisition-ready look like?
A financial model and growth story that survive diligence, a GTM engine that reads as repeatable — not founder-dependent — and systems cleaned up before a PE associate starts pulling the thread. If the deal closes, the same engagement carries through to executing the 100-day value creation plan.
How much does Forward Deployed Engineering cost?
Every engagement is scoped individually based on intensity (Advisory, Fractional Partner, or Embedded Operator) and the specific business's needs, so there's no published flat rate. Engagements are month-to-month with no long-term contract, and scale up or down as needs change.
What do private equity firms look for before acquiring a company?
A financial model and historical numbers that hold up to independent verification, revenue and growth that don't depend on the founder personally, documented systems and processes a new owner could run, and a clean story across financials, operations, and legal. Most sell-side surprises come from gaps in one of those four areas — which is exactly what we fix before a buyer finds them.
How long does it take to get diligence-ready for a PE acquisition?
It depends on how clean the financials and systems already are, but most engagements show diligence-ready documentation — a rebuilt financial model, cleaned-up systems, and a repeatable GTM story — within the first 60-90 days, well ahead of a typical PE deal timeline.
What's the difference between fundraising readiness and acquisition readiness?
Fundraising readiness is about telling a growth story to someone betting on the future. Acquisition readiness is about proving the business already works without the founder in the room — financials, systems, and GTM all have to survive a buyer's independent verification, not just a pitch. We build both, but acquisition readiness carries a higher bar for documentation and repeatability.
Ready to Find Out If Your Numbers Would Hold Up?
Tell us where you are — raising a round, building your GTM engine, or getting ready for a conversation with a PE buyer. Direct, honest advice from someone who's advised 300+ businesses.