Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tech Fitness Scorecard?
It is a rapid diagnostic that examines your technology across product vision, UI/UX, frontend, backend, infrastructure, database, analytics, security, dev-ops, and data integrity. You receive a red/yellow/green score for each pillar so you know exactly where you stand before the market tests it.
What do you need from us to start?
We ask for access to your codebase, architecture documentation, infrastructure setup, database schemas, analytics configurations, and key technical systems. If things are messy or incomplete, that is fine; part of the scorecard is identifying those gaps.
How quickly do we get results?
Most teams receive their Tech Fitness Scorecard within one week of kickoff. We schedule a playback session to walk through the findings, explain the indicators, and align on immediate next steps.
What do the red, yellow, and green indicators mean?
Green means you are market-ready in that area, yellow highlights issues that need light cleanup, and red flags require immediate attention before scaling or market launch. Each indicator is paired with specific technical recommendations.
Is the Tech Fitness Scorecard included in the Tech Audit?
No. The Tech Fitness Scorecard is a separate, standalone service. If you haven't done the scorecard, it is not included in the Tech Audit. The Tech Audit is a much deeper dive into the areas identified by the scorecard—it goes beyond the quick diagnostic to provide comprehensive analysis, detailed documentation, and a prioritized technical roadmap.
What is the Tech Audit?
The Tech Audit is a 2–3 week comprehensive deep dive that evaluates your technology across ten critical pillars: product vision, UI/UX, frontend, backend, infrastructure, database, analytics, security, dev-ops, and data integrity. It provides detailed analysis, documentation, and a prioritized technical roadmap. If you've done the Tech Fitness Scorecard, the audit takes those findings and digs much deeper into each area.
What do you actually review during the audit?
We review your codebase, architecture, infrastructure setup, database schemas, API design, security configurations, CI/CD pipelines, monitoring and observability, analytics implementation, and technical documentation. We map everything to create a single source of truth and identify gaps that will limit scaling or market readiness.
How long does the tech audit take?
The audit typically takes 2–3 weeks from kickoff to final scorecard delivery. This includes multiple calls to get clarity across all technical areas, our review and analysis period, and a playback session where we walk through findings and recommendations.
What do I need to prepare before the audit?
We'll send you a short prep list after you book, but generally you'll want to gather: access to your codebase (GitHub, GitLab, etc.), infrastructure access (AWS, GCP, Azure), database access, API documentation, analytics configurations, and any existing technical documentation. Don't worry if things are messy—that's exactly what we're here to help fix.
What if my codebase or architecture is in bad shape?
That's the whole point of the audit. We're not here to judge—we're here to give you an honest assessment so you know what to fix before scaling or market launch. The tech scorecard shows you exactly where you stand, and the action roadmap prioritizes what matters most for market readiness.
What's included in Phase 2: Architecture Sprint?
The Architecture Sprint ($8K–$15K, 4–6 weeks) includes implementing scalable architecture, fixing critical issues identified in your scorecard, setting up monitoring and observability, optimizing performance, and creating technical documentation and best practices.
How does the Fractional CTO retainer work?
Phase 3 is $2K–$4K/month for ongoing support. You get quarterly technical reviews, architecture guidance, updated technical roadmaps, and ongoing technical leadership. It's designed to keep you market-ready as you scale.
Do I have to start with Phase 1?
Most startups do, because the tech audit gives you the baseline you need to prioritize what to build in Phase 2. However, if you're already mid-scaling or have a specific need, we can discuss a custom scope.
Can I combine phases or get a custom package?
Yes. Many teams do Phase 1 + Phase 2 back-to-back, or start with Phase 1 and add Phase 3 for ongoing support. We can also tailor deliverables and timelines for specific situations like active scaling or portfolio company support.
What happens during the kickoff?
We have multiple calls (video or in-person) to get clarity across all technical areas. We understand your technology stack, architecture, and goals. We'll map your tools, systems, and technical dependencies, and align on what "market-ready" looks like for your specific situation.
How involved do I need to be during the audit?
You'll need to provide access to codebase, infrastructure, and technical documentation, and be available for occasional questions. Most of the work happens on our side—we review, analyze, and synthesize. The time commitment from your team is minimal, usually just a few hours total.
What format are the deliverables in?
You receive a comprehensive Tech Fitness Scorecard (PDF), a Priority Action Roadmap (spreadsheet with owner, effort, timeline), an Architecture & Systems Map (documentation), and a Market Readiness Summary (executive-ready document you can share with your team or board).
Can you help us implement the recommendations?
Yes—that's what Phase 2 (Architecture Sprint) is for. After the audit, many teams engage us to build scalable systems, fix critical issues, and implement the improvements we identified as priorities. We can also provide ongoing support through Phase 3.
What if we need something faster than 2–3 weeks?
We can sometimes accelerate timelines for urgent situations (like an active scaling push or market launch). Contact us to discuss rush options and custom scopes.
How does this help with scaling?
The audit shows you exactly what will break or limit growth as you scale. You get a prioritized list of what to fix before scaling or market launch, so you can grow with confidence and a solid technical foundation.
What if we're already in the middle of scaling?
We can do a focused audit on the areas most critical for your current growth phase, and help you build scalable systems quickly. Many teams use Phase 2 to implement critical fixes while scaling is active.
How do you ensure our code and data stays confidential?
We treat all client information with strict confidentiality. We use secure access methods, NDAs are standard, and we follow best practices for data handling. Your codebase, architecture, and technical information never leaves our secure systems.
Still have questions?
We're here to help. Book a consultation or reach out directly.