Frequently Asked Questions

The best service for your company depends on your current stage, technical challenges, and goals. Generally:

• Early-stage startups: Often benefit from fractional CTO services to establish technical direction and foundational architecture.
• Growth-stage companies: Usually need help with scaling architecture, improving development processes, or specialized expertise in areas like AI or Web3.
• Established enterprises: Typically benefit from modernization strategies, middleware solutions, or technical due diligence.

Schedule a consultation call to discuss your specific needs and get personalized recommendations.

My engagements typically follow this process:

1. Discovery call: We discuss your needs, challenges, and goals.
2. Proposal: I provide a detailed proposal outlining the scope, deliverables, timeline, and costs.
3. Kickoff: We begin with a deep-dive session to align on priorities.
4. Implementation: Regular work and communication according to the agreed schedule.
5. Review and iteration: Periodic checkpoints to assess progress and adjust as needed.

Engagements can range from short-term projects (2-3 months) to ongoing advisory relationships, depending on your needs.

Yes, I offer several options for ongoing support after the primary engagement ends:

• Maintenance retainers: Regular hours allocation for ongoing support, bug fixes, and small enhancements
• Advisory sessions: Scheduled check-in calls to review progress and provide guidance
• Knowledge transfer: Documentation and training to help your team become self-sufficient
• On-call support: Emergency assistance for critical issues (available for select clients)

These support arrangements can be tailored to your specific needs and budget, ensuring you're never left without assistance after we complete the main project work.

I've worked across multiple industries, with particular depth in:

• Fintech & Financial Services: Payment systems, trading platforms, and financial reporting solutions
• Healthcare & Biotech: HIPAA-compliant systems and data integration platforms
• Blockchain & Crypto: DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and smart contract systems
• SaaS & Enterprise Software: Scalable B2B platforms and enterprise integration solutions
• E-commerce & Retail: Omnichannel platforms and inventory management systems

My technical expertise transfers well across sectors, as many underlying architecture patterns remain consistent despite industry-specific regulations or requirements.

My core technical specialties include:

• Web Development: React, TypeScript, Node.js, Next.js
• Blockchain: Ethereum, Solidity, EVM chains, Web3.js/ethers.js
• Middleware & APIs: RESTful services, GraphQL, event-driven architecture
• Cloud Infrastructure: AWS, Azure, containerization with Docker/Kubernetes
• AI Integration: LLM APIs, machine learning implementation, data pipelines
• Database Systems: SQL (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB, DynamoDB)

I stay current with emerging technologies while maintaining a pragmatic approach to technology selection based on business requirements rather than hype.

I've worked with companies across all stages of growth:

• Pre-seed/Seed startups: Helping founders validate ideas, build MVPs, and establish technical foundations
• Series A/B companies: Scaling architecture and teams through rapid growth phases
• Established enterprises: Modernizing legacy systems and implementing innovation initiatives
• Fortune 500: Providing specialized expertise for specific technology initiatives

Each stage has unique challenges, and I tailor my approach accordingly. You can review my case studies to see examples of companies I've worked with.

My consulting fees vary based on the engagement type, scope, and complexity:

• Project-based work: Priced based on deliverables and estimated time requirements
• Fractional CTO services: Monthly retainer based on time commitment (typically 1-3 days per week)
• Strategy sessions: Fixed price for focused advisory sessions
• Technical reviews/audits: Fixed price based on system complexity

I'm transparent about costs and always provide detailed proposals before beginning work. For specific pricing, please contact me with details about your project or needs.

Yes, I have extensive experience working with distributed teams across multiple time zones. My approach includes:

• Using collaborative tools for asynchronous work (GitHub, Notion, Slack, etc.)
• Establishing clear communication protocols and documentation practices
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate different time zones when real-time collaboration is needed
• Regular check-ins and progress updates to maintain alignment

Remote work has been my standard operating model for several years, and I've developed effective practices for remote collaboration and leadership.

While specific outcomes depend on your goals and engagement type, typical results include:

• Clearer technical vision and roadmap for your organization
• Improved architecture that scales better and reduces technical debt
• More efficient development processes and team workflows
• Successful implementation of new technologies (AI, blockchain, etc.)
• Resolution of specific technical challenges or performance issues
• Better alignment between technical capabilities and business goals

I focus on delivering tangible value and transferring knowledge to your team, ensuring benefits continue beyond our engagement.

I measure success through:

• Objective metrics: Improved system performance, reduced costs, faster development cycles, etc.
• Project milestones: Completion of agreed-upon deliverables and technical goals
• Knowledge transfer: Your team's increased capability to maintain and extend the work
• Business outcomes: How technical improvements support your broader business goals

At the beginning of each engagement, we'll establish clear success criteria so we have shared expectations about what constitutes a successful outcome.

You can reach me through any of these channels:

• Contact form on this website
• Direct email at lance@lanceennen.com
• LinkedIn message

I typically respond to inquiries within 1-2 business days.