Fractional CTO
Strategic fractional CTO engagement provides executive-level technology leadership precisely when growth-stage demands require expertise without permanent overhead.
Solution Overview
Hanabi’s fractional CTO service delivers comprehensive technology strategy, architectural oversight, and operational leadership tailored to D2C subscription businesses preparing for scale. Our engagement model integrates systematically with existing operations, providing C-suite technical representation without full-time executive commitment.
Outcome-Driven Benefits
Investment Readiness and Due Diligence Preparation
Comprehensive technology strategy documentation, architectural review, security audit preparation, and data governance framework establishment. Board-ready technology roadmap presentation with ROI projections supporting valuation narratives. Proven track record supporting PE investor scrutiny and technical due diligence processes.
International Expansion Technical Architecture
Platform scalability assessment, multi-region infrastructure design, compliance framework implementation (GDPR, PCI-DSS, regional requirements), and localisation strategy development. Technical leadership guiding Shopify Plus optimisation, composable architecture transitions, and global expansion readiness.
Subscription Business Optimisation
Retention analytics implementation, customer journey automation architecture, flexible billing system design, and lifetime value optimisation strategy. Proven success launching and scaling subscription programmes: Absolute Rewards programme scaled to 65,000+ subscribers.
Team Performance and Development Acceleration
Agile methodology implementation, architectural standards establishment, code review frameworks, and engineering team mentoring. Leadership development for internal technical managers, recruitment strategy for senior technical roles, and performance optimisation frameworks reducing delivery timelines whilst improving code quality.
Platform Migration and Integration Leadership
Re-platforming strategic planning (Shopify, composable architecture), technical vendor selection and management, integration architecture design (ERP, CRM, analytics platforms), and migration execution oversight. Risk mitigation through proven frameworks minimising operational disruption and budget variance.
The Hanabi Framework
The Hanabi Framework is designed for systematic trust-building. Begin with Tech Bloom Assessment to experience our methodology and prove ROI. Progress to Ignition Protocol when strategic clarity warrants systematic transformation. Advance to Full Bloom Mastery for ongoing C-level partnership.
Each phase delivers standalone value whilst creating foundation for subsequent engagement - you’re never locked into multi-phase commitment.
Tech Bloom Assessment
Rapid, high-value diagnostic sprint designed to deliver instant clarity and prove ROI before full commitment.
Process:
Founder and stakeholder interviews
Full technology health audit (infrastructure, team, operations)
Report identifies top three risks, gaps, or opportunities
One high-impact fix implemented (selected for clear ROI and founder priorities)
Key Outcomes:
Immediate value demonstration
Self-funding engagement via the first delivered win
Strategic roadmap aligned to business constraints
Investment: £10,000
Ignition Protocol — Three Months Minimum
Mid-term strategy accelerator translating diagnostic insights into systematic remediation and operational transformation.
Process:
90-day tactical roadmap with quantified milestones
Resolve two further risks/opportunities
Process mapping, automation/vendoring improvements
Stakeholder workshops for alignment
Decision templates and governance
Key Outcomes:
Compound ROI from multiple risk fixes
Process and operational maturity improvement
Team capability acceleration
> Advance to Ignition Protocol
Full Bloom Mastery — Six Months+
Ongoing strategic CTO partnership and transformation leadership, ensuring delivery, capability building, and future-proof enterprise scaling.
Process:
CTO retainer: leadership, oversight, enablement
Execution of major tech projects (migration, MVP launches, compliance)
Continuous team development
Board-level technology representation
Final success dashboard and knowledge transfer playbook
Key Outcomes:
Sustainable technology leadership capability
Measurable competitive advantage (growth, resilience)
Internal leadership maturity or seamless CTO succession