Strategic Advisory & Scale Executive (Operator Execution)
Hands-On Operational Leadership at Inflection Points
Most Series B–D founders face the same problem: product roadmap has 40+ items, operations are chaotic, and capital strategy isn't connected to execution.
We provide fractional Scale Executive leadership (CPTO / CPO / COO, 2–3 days/week) and strategic counsel — helping founders scale from £5M to £50M ARR without breaking.
What Scale Executive Engagement Looks Like
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Inflection Point Identification
→ What's the single milestone that unlocks next-stage growth?
→ Where is the business actually vs. where you think it is?
→ What needs to change operationally to hit that inflection?
Operating Model Design
→ Processes, RACI, decision-making frameworks
→ Team structure and organizational design
→ Founder time allocation—reduce ops involvement 50–60%
Board-Level Strategic Counsel
→ Capital strategy guidance (raise, optimise, exit timing)
→ M&A optionality and strategic positioning assessment
→ Quarterly board preparation and investor communication
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Product Roadmap Surgery
→ Cut 40-item backlog to 3–5 big bets that matter
→ Build vs. buy analysis for platform decisions
→ Product-led growth strategy and pricing architecture
Platform & Technology Strategy
→ Core infrastructure decisions
→ Vendor selection and partnership strategy
→ Technical architecture for scaling to £50M ARR
Regulatory Navigation (if applicable)
→ FCA licensing strategy (e-money, payment services)
→ Card scheme compliance (Visa, Mastercard Principal Membership)
→ Cross-border regulatory guidance
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Unit Economics Optimisation
→ Customer segmentation—which segments are actually profitable?
→ Margin improvement and cost structure analysis
→ Path to profitability and cash flow breakeven
→ Operating metrics dashboard (what 5 numbers actually matter?)
Process & Systems Design
→ Sales and onboarding process optimisation
→ Customer success and retention playbooks
→ Financial planning and scenario modeling
→ Operating cadence (weekly leadership, monthly board rhythm)
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Enterprise Sales Playbook
→ B2B platform & fintech sales to banks, asset managers, corporates
→ Deal structuring, pricing, SLA negotiation
→ Sales cycle management for 6–12 month enterprise deals
Partnership Strategy
→ Platform-as-a-Service provider selection and negotiation (e.g. BaaS and similar)
→ Card scheme relationships (Visa, Mastercard)
→ Strategic partnership positioning and execution
→ Warm introductions to institutional buyers
Cross-Border Expansion
→ UK ↔ DACH market entry strategy
→ US investor positioning or market assessment
→ GCC expansion guidance (UAE, Saudi Arabia)
Why Fractional vs. Full-Time?
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→ You need VP-level expertise (CPTO / CPO / COO) but can't justify the cost yet
→ You want proven operator experience without 18-month commitment
→ You're building the function and need someone to hire the permanent leader
→ You need strategic guidance + hands-on execution, not just consulting advice
→ You're navigating a specific 6–12 month inflection point
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Three typical outcomes:
1. Transition out: Permanent VP hired, function built, we move on
2. Extend engagement: We continue at reduced time (1–2 days/week)
3. Board advisory: Transition to ongoing board counsel role
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→ UK and European venture debt providers
→ Revenue-based finance platforms
→ Specialty fintech lenders and alternative credit sources
→ Traditional lending facilities for profitable businesses
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"Most advisors only understand equity. Stevan helped us see that £2M in venture debt could extend our runway 18 months without dilution — giving us time to hit a new revenue KPI and completely change our Series B negotiating position."
— Series B Founder, B2B Mobility Platform
Strategic Advisory (Non-Fractional Options)
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For founders who need focused strategic work without fractional commitment:
Typical Projects:
→ Product roadmap audit and prioritisation
→ Unit economics analysis and profitability pathway
→ Partnership strategy assessment
→ Institutional GTM playbook development
→ Market entry strategy for specific geography (DACH, US, GCC)
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For founders who need strategic guidance without hands-on execution:
Structure:
→ Monthly strategic sessions (4–8 hours)
→ Ad-hoc counsel between sessions (email, calls)
→ Quarterly board meeting participation
→ Network introductions as needed
Who This Is For
→ Series B–D businesses scaling from £5–50M ARR
→ Founders feeling spread across product, ops, and capital strategy
→ Companies with 40+ item roadmaps and unclear priorities
→ Businesses preparing for next funding round (need operational clarity)
→ Teams that need institutional GTM and partnership expertise
→ Companies exploring M&A and need strategic positioning + execution