Startup CTO
Guidance for technical leaders navigating the challenges of early-stage and scaling companies.
How to Find a Technical Co-Founder in 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide + Vetting Checklist)
Where and how to find a technical co-founder without recruiters. 9 proven places, red flags to avoid, vetting checklist, and what great technical co-founders look for. Real founder strategies that work.
Technical Co-Founder Equity: What to Offer in 2025 (Real Splits + Calculator)
How much equity should you give a technical co-founder? Real equity splits (20-50%), vesting schedules, valuation scenarios, and common mistakes. Interactive equity calculator included.
Technical Co-Founder vs Hiring: What Solo Founders Need (2025)
Equity or cash? Solo founders struggle with this choice. Real comparison of co-founder vs hiring, equity splits, red flags, and when each works. Decision framework included.
From Shopify to Custom SaaS: When (and How) to Make the Jump
Outgrowing Shopify? When to migrate to custom software, what it costs, and how to avoid expensive mistakes. Real migration timelines included.
Stuck at $20K MRR? Why Your Developer Can't Scale (And What to Do)
Revenue plateau? It's not your product—it's your tech. Why MVP developers hit a ceiling and how to break through. Includes scaling roadmap and when to upgrade.
Solo Founder? How to Find a Developer Who Actually Gets It (2025 Guide)
Hiring alone is terrifying. Learn how solo founders find developers who become true partners—not just contractors. Includes vetting checklist and red flags to avoid.
Developer vs Agency vs Technical Partner: What Early-Stage Startups Actually Need
Hire developer or agency? Real comparison of costs, timelines, and results from 20+ years building startups. Decision framework included.
Developer Left Mid-Project? 48-Hour Recovery Plan (2025)
Step-by-step rescue guide: secure code, audit progress, and relaunch fast. Free 48-hour recovery checklist.
How Much Does a SaaS Cost to Build in 2025? Real Pricing Breakdown
SaaS development costs $20K-$80K for MVP in 2025. Real pricing from 50+ projects: calculator, timeline estimates, hidden costs, and cost-per-feature breakdown. Updated Nov 2025.
Can't Code? How to Hire a Developer (Non-Technical Founder's 2025 Guide)
Zero coding experience? No problem. Step-by-step guide to finding, vetting, and hiring trustworthy developers. Includes 20 interview questions and scoring rubric.
I Have a SaaS Idea but I'm Not Technical — Here's Your 2025 Action Plan
Validate, budget, and build your first version without coding. Real founder checklist + Notion template.
How a Part-Time CTO Launches Your MVP in 45 Days
Use this 6-week playbook to scope, build, and ship a revenue-ready SaaS MVP without hiring a full-time CTO.
Your developer doesn't suck. You're just hiring wrong.
Most founder-developer problems aren't about bad developers. They're about hiring the wrong type of developer for what you actually need. Here's the difference between a Code Typist, Technical Partner, and Turnkey CTO.