Shipping fast requires one skill founders hate
Shipping fast requires one skill founders hate. Saying no. I just forced a founder to cut 70% of their scope. We go live next week. I constantly see it. I know...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
Recent Notes
Most founders prove they can't make hard calls
Most founders prove they can't make hard calls. I just got off a strategy call with a founder. 52 features planned for 2026. Let me tell you: You spend $10K on...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
I've watched 47 startups die from the same three-letter word
I've watched 47 startups die from the same three-letter word. AND is what founders say when they're terrified to commit. It masks your inability to make hard...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
I fire engineers who defend their stack while cash burns
I fire engineers who defend their stack while cash burns. You've seen it: GraphQL because trend. Kubernetes for 10 users. Svelte "just to try it." Now they...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
I broke my own business model
I broke my own business model. I'm scaling 5 startups simultaneously. Demand is outpacing my hands. I'm seriously grateful for that. The standard advice I...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
Stop handing out 50% equity like it's candy
Stop handing out 50% equity like it's candy. You meet a co-founder. You vibe. You split 50-50. That's not a partnership. You just avoid conflict. You are...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
Your first $100K is the most dangerous money you will ever touch
Your first $100K is the most dangerous money you will ever touch. I talk to founders with limited budgets weekly. Most torch cash on the wrong problem. They...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
Tech debt is a financial instrument
Tech debt is a financial instrument. You borrow speed from the future to survive today. But most founders let the interest rate wipe them out. Don't apologize...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
Repeat after me:
Repeat after me: 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1 ICP. 1 UVP. 1 core problem. 1 flow. 1 acquisition channel. Founders love optionality. They target two segments. They test...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
