What We Do

Six Ways We Move Your Program Forward

Fractional executive leadership and hands-on technical expertise — from the lab bench to the factory floor, the boardroom to the funding agency.

Fractional CEO & CTO Leadership

Executive depth without the full-time overhead.

Part-time or interim CEO and CTO leadership for PE- and VC-backed companies, established manufacturers, and startups. Strategy, technology roadmap, team building, and board-ready answers — without a full-time hire.

What's included

Technology strategy and roadmap development
Board reporting and investor communication
Team building, hiring, and organizational design
Operational oversight and milestone accountability
Bridge leadership during CEO/CTO transitions

Ideal for: PE- and VC-backed companies needing senior technical leadership between hires or during rapid growth phases.

Technical Due Diligence

An independent read before you commit capital.

A rigorous, independent assessment of whether a technology, team, and plan will survive production — for investors, acquirers, and strategic partners evaluating deep-tech opportunities.

What's included

Technology readiness and IP assessment
Manufacturing scalability and yield risk analysis
Team capability and organizational gap review
Competitive landscape and differentiation analysis
Actionable findings with risk-ranked recommendations

Ideal for: Investors, acquirers, and strategic partners evaluating deep-tech companies in solar, semiconductor, materials, and adjacent sectors.

Equipment, Controls & Scale-Up

From pilot to production — reliably.

Move a process from the lab or pilot line to full-scale production. Equipment specification, controls and automation, vendor selection, installation, ramp, and yield learning — with hands-on accountability at every step.

Equipment arriving and installation crew

What's included

Process and equipment specification
Controls, automation, and SCADA integration
Vendor selection, negotiation, and management
Factory acceptance testing and installation oversight
Ramp planning, yield analysis, and continuous improvement

Ideal for: Manufacturers and startups scaling a novel process for the first time, or re-engineering an underperforming production line.

Government Funding Strategy

Informed by time on the funding side of the table.

Shape and write competitive DOE, NSF, and SBIR proposals informed by direct experience as an NSF Program Director. From opportunity identification through submission and negotiation.

What's included

Funding landscape mapping and opportunity identification
Proposal strategy, narrative, and technical writing
Budget development and cost-share structuring
Review panel preparation and reviewer psychology
Post-award reporting and milestone management

Ideal for: Deep-tech startups and research-stage companies seeking non-dilutive capital from federal programs.

Commercialization & Partnerships

Turn technology into a business.

Business development, customer discovery, go-to-market strategy, licensing, and strategic partnerships for new and mature technologies. Bridges the gap between technical capability and commercial traction.

What's included

Customer discovery and market segmentation
Go-to-market strategy and channel development
Technology licensing and IP monetization
Strategic partnership identification and negotiation
Revenue model design and pricing strategy

Ideal for: Companies with proven technology that need a structured path to revenue and strategic relationships.

Crisis, Restructuring & Transition

Steady hands when the stakes are highest.

Steer a business through disruption or change: cost and cash discipline, operational restructuring, leadership transitions, and orderly transitions, sales, or pivots.

What's included

Cash flow stabilization and cost reduction
Operational restructuring and workforce planning
Stakeholder and board communication
Leadership transition and interim management
Pivot strategy and business model redesign

Ideal for: Companies facing financial stress, leadership gaps, failed scale-up, or a forced strategic pivot.

How We Work

Practitioner-Led. Outcome-Focused.

Every engagement starts with a direct conversation, and Rick is engaged personally from day one, supported by a bench of experienced consultants when needed.

Discovery Call

A direct conversation to understand your situation, constraints, and what success looks like. No pitch deck, no sales process.

Scoped Engagement

A clear statement of work with defined deliverables, timeline, and fees. Structured to fit your stage and budget.

Hands-On Execution

Rick works directly with your team, with specialist colleagues added as the work requires. Technical depth and executive judgment applied to your specific problem.

Measurable Outcomes

Engagements close with documented findings, decisions made, and a clear path forward. You own the work product.

Not sure which service fits your situation?

Most engagements start with a conversation. Describe what you're facing and Rick will tell you directly whether and how he can help.

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