Fractional CTO for Startups in the USA: SaaS, AI & Rapid Scaling
I'm Ezequiel Actis Grosso, a Fractional CTO helping SaaS startups in New York, Miami, and Seattle achieve product-market fit and scale quickly. I offer technology leadership and expertise without the need for a full-time CTO, helping startups grow efficiently with AI, and cloud solutions.
Book a Free ConsultationCase Study: Generative AI Innovation for a FinOps Startup
As a Technical Lead at Xogito Group, I spearheaded the development of a state-of-the-art chatbot for a FinOps startup in Seattle. The chatbot integrated cost attribution, budgeting, monitoring, and optimization for generative AI services, showcasing platform capabilities.
Delivered an MVP in just one month by leveraging pre-existing front-end components and developing a containerized backend—drastically reducing time to market. This rapid delivery was key in helping the startup attract new customers, demonstrating the value of its generative AI cost management solutions.
Key benefits:
- Rapid time-to-market for the MVP helped attract investors and customers early in the product lifecycle.
- Leveraged existing components and containerized infrastructure to minimize development costs.
- Integrated advanced AI cost optimization features, positioning the platform as an innovator in the FinOps space.
- Created a scalable backend that supports future growth without the need for a full system redesign.
Case Study: Tech Leadership for Startup Growth
As Director of Engineering at Cascade, I led cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams, including teams in Argentina, while contributing to the global Product Leadership Team.
I introduced engineering metrics, developed a career progression framework for engineers, and implemented the Balance Framework for engineering investments. These initiatives enabled Cascade to deliver high-quality features for its U.S. and international customers, while optimizing resources and enhancing the product experience.
Key benefits:
- Facilitated seamless collaboration across time zones, supporting scaling processes and tech.
- Implemented a "Tours of Duty" career framework, encouraging the development of transferable skills and employee retention.
- Introduced the Balance Framework to ensure resource allocation aligned with strategic goals, maximizing ROI on engineering efforts.
- Reduced friction in team communication by acting as the link between Product, Engineering, and People & Culture, enhancing overall team performance.
Case Study: Building a Scalable FinTech Platform
Cross-Border Mobile Wallet for Remittances
As the VP of Engineering at Leapfactor, I led the development of a mobile wallet for remittances and cross-border payments between the US and Mexico. This fintech solution enabled seamless and secure financial transactions, allowing users to send remittances efficiently.
Key achievements included:
- Successfully delivered the platform while managing distributed teams across Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Mexico, and the USA, ensuring smooth collaboration and timely delivery.
- Implemented a "build-measure-learn" feedback loop for rapid iteration, allowing the team to quickly adapt to the unique challenges of launching a new product, with new technology, and a new team.
- Integrated financial compliance and security protocols to meet cross-border requirements, supporting a compliant and robust user experience.
Cloud Platform for Mobile Apps
As the Platform Engineering Manager, I hired and led the team responsible for developing a proprietary cloud platform that supported mobile apps for global brands such as Avon, L'Oreal, Astra Zeneca, HD Supply, AeroMexico, and General Shale. My team was recognized for delivering consistently on time and on budget.
My role involved:
- Introducing an agile process along with continuous integration and automated testing, which significantly reduced incidents in service-processing components.
- Automating content rasterization and publishing processes, cutting the lead time from days to minutes, allowing companies to distribute new content to their reps with incredible efficiency.
- Building a solid technical foundation for global app scalability, ensuring that brands could easily leverage technology to enhance user engagement and operational efficiency.
Case Study: Digital Transformation and Global Architecture
Digital Transformation of a Lending Company
I worked with an Argentinian lending company, leading a full-scale digital transformation that enabled them to evolve from a traditional lender with physical branches into a modern fintech platform. This project included:
- Redesigning their monolithic architecture to microservices and serverless functions, improving scalability.
- Implementing a DevOps culture that reduced the deployment cycle time from days to minutes, achieving 99.9% uptime.
- Building a mobile app and marketplace platform to connect car dealerships with buyers, creating a new direct sales channel.
- Developing and integrating a credit risk engine to facilitate better-informed lending decisions, especially for underbanked individuals.
The success of this transformation led to a partial acquisition by a well-known insurance group, further expanding the company's capabilities and reach.
Software Architecture for Global Companies
As a Lead and Software Architect at Grupo Assa, I had the opportunity to work with globally renowned companies, including Johnson & Johnson, Grupo Modelo, Banco del Bajío, and Louis Dreyfus. I designed solutions to address cross-domain and cross-functional challenges, spanning multiple industries, such as banking, lending, trading, and education, and involving a wide range of technologies.
The focus was on creating scalable and efficient architectures that met the business requirements of these diverse sectors. By working closely with clients to understand their specific needs, I was able to develop tailored, effective solutions that integrated well with their existing systems. My leadership in team building, implementing Service Oriented Architectures, and guiding successful delivery helped establish strong partnerships, leading to repeat engagements and long-term collaboration.
Services Offered for Startups
Let’s Build and Scale Your Startup
Not sure where to start with your tech challenges? I offer a comprehensive assessment to identify the roadblocks and opportunities that will take your product and team to the next level.