Go-to-Market Services 


Turn your vision into a success story

Unlock your

Market Potential


Successfully launching new products and services isn't just about having a strategy:
it's about having the right strategy for the right audience and the right amount of capital.


Your Go-to-Market plan should efficiently channel resources, target your ideal audience, and position your product to make noise in the market.


At Cambridge Management Consulting, we are passionate about driving your business to unparalleled heights. We founded Cambridge MC to work with start-ups in the Cambridge ecosystem, and GTM strategy remains one of our core areas of business.


Our Go-to-Market Services are delivered by a team of C-Suite leaders, founders, directors, Non-Executive Advisors, and board members.

What are your current

GTM Challenges?


Investment & Funding

  • Have you effectively communicated the value proposition to potential investors?
  • Do you understand and have relevant experience in the investment process?
  • Do you have the necessary contacts in the investment community?

Customer Acquisition & Retention

  • Has your market research correctly identified and profiled your target audience and their needs?
  • What geographies are you targeting and who are your main competitors?
  • How do you convert prospects into customers and scale your business quickly while maintaining service levels?

Distribution & Channel Management

  • Have you selected the right distribution channels to ensure product availability and distribution?
  • How are you ensuring efficient logistics and supply chain management to meet your demand?

Pricing Strategy

  • Have you set a competitive yet profitable pricing structure?
  • Are you adjusting to market responses and competitor actions while maintaining the perceived value of the product or service?

How we can help

We have expert teams waiting to help with every stage of your product launch and post-launch strategy

NEW MARKET ENTRY

Market Research & Segmentation

We conduct comprehensive market research to understand the target country’s (or countries') economic, political, cultural, and regulatory landscape. Then we identify key competitors and potential partners for distribution and product enhancement.

Customer Targeting & Product Adaptation

We uncover your brand's unique value proposition and position this offer by researching your target audience using advanced analytics, market segmentation, and consumer behaviour insights.

Regulatory Approvals

Navigate local regulations and obtain any necessary permits, licenses, or certifications. Comply with data protection, intellectual property, and industry-specific regulations.

ROUTE TO MARKET

Sales, Channel Strategy & Partnership Agreements

Identify and establish partnerships with local distributors, resellers, or channel partners to work with the sales team. Identify the training and development needs and establish the end-to-end processes to accelerate sales across all channels, ensuring this is underpinned by robust scalable platforms and processes.

Sales & Marketing Transformation

Develop a localised marketing strategy that includes digital marketing, advertising, and public relations. We will create a strong brand presence in your target market and a compelling pitch to your investors.

Stuart Curzon

Our Go-to-Market services are led by Stuart Curzon

Managing Partner - CCO & Sales Expansion

Stuart is a Managing Partner and the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). In addition to running the global sales operations for Cambridge MC, Stuart and his team work closely with our clients to scale their go-to-market strategy, increase market penetration, and transform sales and marketing to improve product mix, revenue growth, and profitability.


For the past 20 years Stuart has focused on building effective teams, primarily targeting Global 5000 enterprise clients in ICT and telecommunications. Stuart is an accomplished and versatile leader who excels at restructuring, expanding, and merging cross-regional teams. He is particularly experienced at managing geographically and culturally dispersed teams that deliver sales and marketing functions in different locations and marketplaces. 

Go-to-Market

Case Studies


Satellite going into the sky.
by Steve Tunnicliffe 28 June 2024
Analysing the business to provide recommendations and enhancements The satellite industry is going through an intense period of transformation at every level of the value chain. The status quo within the satellite communications industry has been largely unchanged and unchallenged since its inception over 60 years ago. This is all about to significantly change, and it will force many established businesses to look afresh at how they operate. Many will adapt but many will fail. The two key factors driving this transformation are a) the emergence of Non-Geostationary Satellite Operators (NGSO) and b) the technology drive to digitisation, standardisation, and virtualisation. New market entrants such as Starlink are hugely disruptive and have contributed to a 77% reduction in satellite capacity pricing over the last 5 years. Other new entrants will soon emerge, creating further disruption to the norm and downward price pressure. The Challenge A leading satellite communications service provider had already anticipated this market shift and transformation, but wanted to undertake a brief study to validate their assumptions and to review their Go-To-Market strategy. Spanning operations in the US and Europe, Steve Tunnicliffe was tasked with undertaking this strategic business review that included: Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement Corporate Governance Review Change Management and Communication Revenue Review Performance Management Review Our Approach Steve provided critical insights and enabling methodologies to support the service provider in anticipating where to invest next and what resources to align where. Steve also identified areas of weakness within the company’s corporate governance and identified where changes needed to be made to ensure the service provider seized the opportunity for its next phase of growth. He was able to engage key stakeholders in the identification of business issues and make recommendations on how and what to implement from a change management perspective. His experience in leading a global sales organisation and strategy for a leading player within the satellite industry helped provide critical insights to empower the service provider to achieve its stated objectives. Out comes & Results 1. Go-to-Market Strategy The client refocused its efforts on Defence and Government, which accounted for over 50% of its business but an event greater percentage of its profit. 2. Corporate Governance The client put in place a charter and clear definitions around the role of the Board of Directors and the Executive Management Team defining what matters were reserved for each. 3. Efficiency All of this provided not only the necessary clarity but an efficient plan to implement.
A black car surrounded by red and white neon lights.
by Dan Fitzsimmons 23 May 2024
Implementing critical insights and innovative methodologies to add value at every stage The automotive industry is under intense cost pressure, a function of razor thin margins being generated by new energy vehicles (NEVs) and expensive legacy operations and processes. To address future profitability challenges being posed by an increasing portfolio of EV vehicles, automakers are reviewing opportunities to reduce costs across the operational landscape, and notably the sales process. The dealership model has been in place for over 100 years, however it is designed in a way that disadvantageous for both the car buyer and the OEM. This is because it is characterised by a lack of vehicle price transparency, a low trust relationship between buyers and dealers, and a process no longer representative of the digital service landscape that consumers have become accustomed to. Catalysed by new market entrants such as Tesla, the bricks and mortar sales model was ripe for disruption, something which was recognised by a German automotive manufacturer who sought out Daniel Fitzsimmons , expert in Change Management and the Automotive Industry at Cambridge Management Consulting, to optimise their sales agency model. The Ask A German automotive manufacturer, recognising the need to digitise the sales process and begin its journey to a more customer-centric sales model, and secure the subsequent financial benefits, engaged our Automotive partner to support its digital transformation and change management requirements. Spanning a complex stakeholder map involving 7 legal entities, 4 user journeys, 3 critical functions and 1000s of employees, Daniel Fitzsimmons was engaged to provide clarity and structure across the entire digital transformation process. Solutions Functioning as a coordinating mechanism across a fragmented vendor landscape, Daniel Fitzsimmons provided leadership, facilitating: E2E Customer Journey Mapping Dealer Journey Mapping Digital Touchpoint Mapping Customer-Centric Messaging Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement Data-driven Sales Mapping Change Management and Communication Daniel provided critical insights and enabling methodologies to support the OEM begin its journey to the direct-to-consumer sales model, and the definition and calculation of digital sales logic streams. Teams Daniel Fitzsimmons , as partner of our Change Management function, was able to engage stakeholders in identification and communication of a change imperative that created unity in the delivery of the programme. His experience in delivering best in industry digital journey solutions helped empower the OEM to achieve its stated objectives within budget and in advance of target deadlines. Outcomes & Results 1. Model Redesign Provided experience and leadership to the project delivery organisation, allowing senior OEM executives to give guidance, rather than being hands-on in the management of the initiative. 2. Optimised Communication Engaged the organisation in the project as well as clarifying their communication strategy. 3. Efficiency All of this was delivered on budget and on time, with an NPS of 96.
Orange neon lights.
by Nigel Meacham 15 April 2024
A data-driven market analysis from Cambridge MC was used to inform their strategy VETRO, a rapidly growing SaaS innovator specialising in fibre management solutions, have already established a strong footprint in North America. They now seek further expansion, aiming to enter the UK market and develop strategic channel partnerships to fuel international growth. VETRO needed in-depth insights into the UK's telecom landscape to make calculated, data-driven decisions to inform their strategy. The Ask VETRO turned to Cambridge Management Consulting based on their expertise and knowledge of the UK broadband market. Cambridge MC's role was to provide comprehensive analysis of the market landscape, competitive environment, key trends, potential opportunities, and ideal target customers. The Approach Market Landscape: Cambridge MC quantified the UK alt-net market, including its size, growth trajectory, and potential within niche segments. The UK market was benchmarked against broader European trends. Key considerations for VETRO's UK market entry were also outlined. Market Structure: We analysed the UK telecom sector as a whole, outlining key players, government influence, investment patterns, and overall progress in fibre deployment. The outlook for the alt-net sector in particular was highlighted. Alt-Net Ecosystem: Major alt-net providers were profiled, categorised, and prioritised based on factors aligning with VETRO's strengths (e.g., strategic fit, scale, technology compatibility). Cambridge MC also investigated the management systems alt-nets in the UK are currently using. Government and Regulation: We explained the impact of UK government policies on fibre development and outlined the regulatory framework governing telecoms. Essential compliance factors were emphasised. Trends and Competition: We examined consolidation trends within the alt-net sector, including analysis of investors and M&A activity. A competitive analysis mapped the GIS landscape, profiling key players and their strengths and weaknesses. Ideal Customer Profile: Cambridge MC helped define the characteristics of VETRO's ideal UK alt-net customer. Outcomes & Results 1. Data-Driven Strategy A clear, data-backed market strategy tailored to the UK telecom landscape and VETRO's requirements. 2. Ecosystem Introductions Meaningful introductions to key players within the UK alt-net industry. 3. Key Messaging Guidance Assistance in refining go-to-market messaging and establishing priorities for the UK market.
Purple, blue, and green square bokeh lights.
by Darren Sheppard 31 January 2024
By providing an interim COO and a strategy for sustainable growth Iknaia is an innovative technology company providing high performance, multi-purpose sensor platforms that can create high density, cost effective sensor networks across many environmental industries both indoors and outdoors, including air, water, acoustic, as well as traffic and footfall. Pushing the boundaries in remote environmental monitoring, their mission is to provide a completely connected environment, that will enable their clients to remotely monitor their assets cost effectively. Iknaia creates bespoke hardware and software in-house and uses state of the art sensors to monitor, measure, and manage all environmental situations, in real-time. Iknaia also employs Edge Computing and AI with data which is accessible to view through an online management dashboard or APIs. Project Overview Iknaia needed a Chief Operating Officer to support the Chief Executive Officer/Owner, who was originally forced to occupy both C-suite positions. The owner sought to onboard a leader to manage the day-to-day operations, thus allowing her to devote more time to focus on strategic initiatives. In addition to elevating the leadership team, the organisation wanted to position itself for future growth, and was looking at ways to expand its service offerings. Specific Challenges facing Start-Ups Limited Capital: One of the most significant challenges for start-ups is limited funding. Securing enough capital to cover initial expenses, operational costs, and unforeseen challenges can be a constant struggle. Operational Efficiency: Optimising internal processes and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations is crucial for start-ups. This includes supply chain management, inventory control, and overall efficiency in delivering products or services. Risk Management: Start-ups inherently involve risk, and managing that risk is vital. This includes financial risk, market risk, and operational risk. Developing contingency plans and being prepared for the unexpected is crucial. Scaling Up: Successfully scaling a start-up from a small operation to a larger, more complex one poses its own set of challenges. This involves expanding the team, increasing production capacity, and maintaining quality while growing. Prioritising the Pipeline: It is crucial to maximise the efficiency and focus of efforts on leads to fit with the business needs, whether that be lead time or size of revenue. Overcoming these challenges requires strategic planning, resilience, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. Seeking mentorship, staying adaptable, and being persistent are key factors in navigating the start-up landscape, and ones which Iknaia needed further support to implement. Solutions Though an innovative and rapid-growing technology start-up, Iknaia needed further support structuring their organisation in order to fully maximise their capability. This required the following stages: Thorough Financial Planning: Develop a detailed business plan that includes realistic financial projections. Understand costs, operating expenses, and revenue forecasts. Cash Flow Forecasting: Develop a robust cash flow forecast to anticipate periods of low liquidity and plan accordingly. Diversify Revenue Streams: Explore opportunities to diversify revenue streams. This could involve expanding product or service offerings, targeting new customer segments, or entering new markets. Effective Communication: Foster clear and open communication within the organisation. Ensure that all team members are aware of their roles, responsibilities, and deadlines. Identify and Assess Risks: Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential threats. This includes financial risks, operational risks, market risks, and external factors that could impact your business. Develop a Risk Management Plan: Create a detailed risk management plan that outlines the identified risks, their potential impact, and strategies for mitigation. Outcomes & Results 1. Change in Mindset As p art of our restructuring, we implemented a shift from an Operational to a Strategic mindset in Iknaia. 2. 8 Sites in the Netherlands Using our inhouse operational excellence, we were able to tackle Iknaia's large-scale problems. 3. Sites in the US and UK We effectively re-allocated resources, including human capital, technology, and financial resources, to meet organisational goals. 4. Forward Planning We set goals and objectives in order to provide Iknaia with a clear glidepath, including common goals that require collaboration from multiple departments. 5. Clear Governance Structure We defined and established a Governance structure, decision making principles, and clearly articulated the goals and objectives of governance within the organisation. 6. Risk Management We developed and implemented effective risk mitigation strategies. 7. Improved Communication We established clear communication objectives that aligned with the overall organisations goals, ensuring collaboration to achieve said goals.

Bringing years of world class experience to your Strategy


Our team can be your team


Our team of experts have multiple decades  of experience across many different business environments and across various geographies.


We can build you a specialised team with the skillset and expertise required to meet the demands of your industry.


Our combination of expertise and an intelligent methodology is what realises tangible financial benefits for clients.

Our GTM Experts

"Cambridge MC helped define the characteristics of VETRO’s ideal UK alt-net customer."

VETRO Case Study

Get in touch with our Consultants today


We are a highly collaborative team of senior-level executive professionals able to adapt to any challenge, however niche & challenging.

+44 (0)1223 750335

info@cambridgemc.com

Contact Form - Technology Practice

Case Studies


Our team has had the privilege of partnering with a diverse array of clients, from burgeoning startups to FTSE 100 companies. Each case study reflects our commitment to delivering tailored solutions that drive real business results.

CASE STUDIES

A little bit about Cambridge MC

Cambridge Management Consulting is a specialist consultancy drawing on an extensive global network of talent. We are your growth catalyst.


Our purpose is to help our clients make a better impact on the world.

ABOUT CAMBRIDGE MC

Industry insights


Abstract red and white lines like light writing
by David Lewis 9 September 2024
The Go-to-Market (GTM) stage is a crucial phase in the investment journey for start-ups. This stage involves the core activities required to launch a new product or service into the market, including developing effective delivery models and marketing tactics. For new start-ups, it is essential to proactively develop a GTM strategy, as this stage introduces a range of dynamic challenges to develop a solid market presence. Consequently, a GTM strategy must be continuously tested, refined, and adapted over time. A clear Go-to-Market strategy provides a defined path, outlining objectives and identifying areas that may need ongoing adjustments. It serves as a roadmap to guide strategic decisions, ensuring the organisation remains focused on its goals while remaining flexible enough to pivot when necessary. Since early 2024, Cambridge Management Consulting and composability have partnered to leverage their extensive experience in supporting start-ups. Cambridge MC, originally founded with a focus on the Cambridge start-up ecosystem, has since expanded its services globally. composability is an advisory company dedicated to empowering tech startups, especially underrepresented founders, to secure investment and scale successfully. Drawing on insights from both organisations, we have identified the key components of a GTM strategy that are essential for start-ups throughout their investment journey. “The Go-to-Market is the cornerstone of any new company, and it just becomes more important as you go through raising larger rounds.” - Ian Jarvis, CEO of composability 6 Key Components of your GTM Strategy The following are 6 key elements of a GTM strategy: Define the Unique Value Proposition (UVP) of the product “Articulate clearly the unique value that you deliver.” As a start-up brings its product to market, defining the Unique Value Proposition (UVP) is essential. The UVP highlights what sets your product or service apart and why it is valuable to customers. Without a clear UVP, potential customers have little reason to consider your offering over existing alternatives. Understanding your unique strengths and integrating them into your strategy, marketing, and investor pitches is crucial to stand out in a competitive market. Cambridge Management Consulting and composability help start-ups articulate a compelling UVP during their investment readiness assessments and due diligence stages. These assessments also involve analysing competitors and comparable companies to emphasise your product’s differentiation, ensuring that your UVP is clearly defined and communicated. Research the Addressable Market “Market Research is key.” Your start-up should continuously research its addressable market to deepen its understanding of the customers it aims to serve. The addressable market includes every potential customer whose needs are met by your product. Regular research allows your business to stay informed about market trends and evolving customer expectations, ensuring your product remains relevant. Cambridge Management Consulting and composability support start-ups by helping them build detailed profiles of their target customers, uncovering insights into their needs and preferences. This valuable information can be used to refine your Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy, such as adjusting your commercial model or redefining how you present your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) to maximise appeal to your target audience. Product Delivery “What is the commercial model that underpins the service?” Your start-up must carefully choose how its products or services are delivered, which includes deciding on the commercial model, price point, and distribution channels. For example, will your product be offered on a subscription basis or through a one-time fee? Will it be sold directly through an eCommerce platform or via partners? Selecting the right delivery method involves more than just considering costs and revenue; it also requires a strategic approach that aligns with your ideal customer profile, ensures scalability, and provides a repeatable method for customer acquisition. Cambridge Management Consulting and composability support start-ups in refining their pricing strategies and market approach by analysing key financial elements, such as customer acquisition costs, profit margins, and burn rate. This process helps develop a financial plan that aligns with your overall Go-to-Market strategy, ensuring the chosen delivery model is sustainable and strategically sound Identify competitors and comparable players “Find as many comparable companies as you can to understand why you are different.” Your Go-to-Market strategy should be shaped by a thorough understanding of your competitors and comparable players in the market. Competitors significantly influence market dynamics, and aligning your strategy with these realities is essential. Conducting due diligence and competitive research allows your start-up to benchmark its GTM approach against others, helping you assess its potential effectiveness and identify potential risks. A common mistake among start-ups is claiming they have no competitors. It’s crucial to broaden your perspective to include indirect competitors, fringe market players, or providers that offer alternative solutions to the needs your product addresses. We recommend that start-ups compile a list of at least 20-30 competitors or comparable players. This comprehensive analysis not only aids in refining your Unique Value Proposition but also demonstrates to investors that you have a deep understanding of your addressable market and your positioning within it. Develop a Marketing Strategy “There is an overcommitment to driving traffic early when you are still trying to figure out your SEO strategy, your key words, your target customer etc.” “Build it, and they won’t necessarily come.” Developing the right marketing strategy for your addressable market—and within your budget—is crucial. A key objective is to communicate your product’s Unique Value Proposition effectively, which involves selecting the most suitable marketing channels. Depending on your target audience, this might mean leveraging a social media campaign, forming strategic partnerships, or exploring other tailored approaches. A common pitfall for start-ups is overinvesting in marketing without fully understanding potential customer behaviour. For instance, investing heavily in Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to drive website traffic without knowing what type of traffic converts into sales can lead to wasted resources. Therefore, aligning your marketing strategy with the broader Go-to-Market plan is essential. Begin with a ‘learning’ and ‘testing’ phase to deepen your understanding of the market and customer expectations before scaling efforts. Cambridge Management Consulting and composability offer sales and marketing expertise to guide you through these critical strategy elements. Our experts provide advice on optimising marketing channels, brand development, tone of voice, pitch decks, SEO, and both paid and organic campaigns, as well as lead-generation tactics. This holistic approach ensures your marketing efforts are effectively integrated with your overall GTM strategy. Feed Pitch Deck “Articulate a narrative from a market perspective.” Your Go-to-Market strategy should play a pivotal role in shaping the pitch deck you present to investors. It is important to craft a narrative that illustrates how you developed and refined your strategy, demonstrating your start-up’s ability to adapt, learn, and respond to market dynamics. For instance, highlight how market research guided the creation of an ideal customer profile as part of your GTM strategy and how this insight led to adjustments in your marketing tactics to better capture your target audience. Use your GTM strategy to tell a compelling story supported by relevant data points that showcase your start-up’s value proposition and growth potential. Cambridge Management Consulting and composability offer a unique combination of expertise to support start-ups in achieving investor readiness. composability offers a platform for tech startups to showcase profiles and video pitches, enabling startups to present team, products, and services to attract investors efficiently. Three Key Characteristics of a Strong GTM Plan: Executability, Measurability and Repeatability When developing a Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy, start-ups should focus on three key elements: executability, measurability, and repeatability. The importance of these elements shifts across different funding stages, as we explore in more detail below. Executability An executable Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy is crucial for start-ups at the seed stage, as it assures investors that their capital will be used effectively to achieve practical results. To demonstrate that your GTM strategy is executable, highlight your expertise in the relevant market. This can be achieved by showcasing a credible, talented, and knowledgeable team that instills confidence in your investors. Measurability A measurable Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy is crucial at the seed stage because it demonstrates to investors that your start-up is committed to an informed, data-driven approach. By measuring your GTM strategy, you can test specific elements, make adjustments, and optimise your approach—an agile process that minimises risk and enhances decision-making. While other factors like repeatability are valuable, they are less critical at the seed stage, as investors understand that your GTM strategy is still evolving. At this stage, the focus is on learning about the market and refining your approach rather than having a fully mature strategy. Repeatability An important final element of your Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy is repeatability. A repeatable GTM strategy is one that can be consistently applied to capture customers and drive growth. This element becomes particularly critical for scaling start-ups, where investors have higher expectations regarding the maturity and effectiveness of your GTM approach. “As a scaling start-up, your Go-To-Market has to be fairly established. Everyone expects you to know your addressable market, your ideal customer, your commercial model. You should be able to demonstrate that you have converted a number of customers in a repeatable fashion.” - Ian Jarvis, CEO of composability Using a repeatable GTM strategy, investors can be confident that your start-up has found its place in the market, that it will be able to grow revenue and possibly develop further products or services that can be taken to market. Cambridge MC & composability: Empowering Start-ups on their Path to Success Cambridge Management Consulting , in partnership with composability, offers unparalleled support to start-ups embarking on their investment journey. With over 175 senior consultants across 22 countries, Cambridge MC provides global expertise in technology, helping start-ups overcome people, process, and digital technology challenges. composability offers a comprehensive, AI-powered solution designed to help tech start-ups become investment-ready and connect with the right investors. Key Benefits of the Partnership: Industry Expertise : Consultation from senior executives with extensive first-hand experience in both private and public sectors Investment Readiness Program : Assessment of the key elements for investment readiness and improvement supported by experts AI-Driven Investor Start-Up Matchmaking : Developing start-up-investor connections using AI technology based on industry, stage, and business focus Global Reach : Connection with a global network spanning major cities and innovation hubs such as Cambridge, London, New York, Paris, Tel Aviv, Dubai, Singapore, and Helsinki Channel Distribution : Use of Cambridge Connect, which is part of the Cambridge MC family of companies, and which is a leading Technology Services Distributor (TSD) with a global presence, specialising in the EMEA market Tailored Solutions : Customised strategies that address specific needs and market conditions unique to each start-up Enhanced Credibility : Demonstrable partnership with an established market leader, which can instil confidence in potential investors Fractional Leaders : Access to seasoned executive technology leaders who can fulfil a critical CxO role in a fractional capacity and at a fractional cost, enhancing your technological capabilities This combined service ensures that start-ups are not only equipped with a robust GTM strategy, but also gain the critical insights needed to navigate the complexities of early-stage investment. Through strategic guidance and practical solutions, Cambridge MC and composability help start-ups achieve sustainable growth and long-term success.
Blue neon lines with texture like a cable
by Philippe Bosquier 9 September 2024
Fractional Leadership is a service that allows you to hire a highly experienced industry practitioner as an on-demand resource, as opposed to the traditional full-time model. For example, you could hire a Fractional Leader to take on your Chief Technology Officer (CTO) position, and to support your organisation’s technological capabilities. This is particularly useful for start-ups, who perhaps haven’t yet reached the scale or income to hire full-time digital leadership. This article draws attention to three ways in which the power of fractional leadership for scaling start-ups is clear. Cost-Effectiveness of Fractional Leadership for Scaling Start-ups Fractional Leadership offers a cost-effective way for scaling start-ups to access highly experienced resources compared to a traditional full-time hire. Highly experienced and skilled individuals suited to high-impact roles are expensive to hire as full-time permanent staff. But, in a fractional capacity – which is neither full-time nor permanent, but rather based on the demands of an organisation – such experienced individuals can be hired at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire. The cost effectiveness of Fractional Leaders is well-suited to scaling start-ups. Firstly, this is because scaling start-ups are either small- or medium-sized, and typically have more limited resources compared to a larger and more mature organisation. This might mean that, as a scaling start-up, you would be unable to expend the resources on recruiting highly experienced individuals into your team full-time. So, a Fractional Leadership service allows you to access the advantages of experienced individuals as team members in a cost-effective way. Secondly, as a scaling start-up, you may not have the same consistent activities that a mature company does. In which case, you may not be able to justify the cost of having a highly experienced full-time CTO, for example. Rather, a Fractional Leader would be well-suited to you as they work by your demand, rather than full-time. So, a Fractional Leader can instead be used flexibly and efficiently to match your own activities and resources. Improved Competitiveness of Fractional Leadership for Scaling Startups Fractional Leadership can improve the competitiveness of scaling start-ups. A variety of different fractional leaders are available to make a scaling start-up more competitive depending on its needs. These can range from product development, to mitigating risks, to designing a strategy as a start-up scales. These can be illustrated with a few examples. First, a Fractional CTO can accelerate the development of a start-up’s new product, so that it can be brought to market sooner. Second, as a startup scales up, it might become more prone to targeted cybercrimes. In which case, a Fractional Chief Data Officer can be employed to address and mitigate any data risks that may arise as a start-up becomes a more attractive target for cybercriminals. Another example is that a Fractional Chief Digital Officer (CDO) can help a start-up design and manage a digital transformation strategy to ensure a smooth scale up. So, fractional leadership can address a variety of a scaling start-up’s needs to improve its competitiveness. Team Developmental Benefits of Fractional Leadership for Scaling Startups Fractional Leadership can help a scaling start-up with team development. It is important for any scaling start-up to have a good team made up of skilled individuals. Fractional Leadership offers a way to improve your roster with experienced individuals. As scaling start-ups are, by nature, in a state of transition to a larger and more mature state than they previously were, for many members of a start-up, this will introduce to them a new dynamic. A Fractional Leader is a great means of assisting with that transition, as they will have the experience of being a leader in a mature organisation, and can offer their unique experience to help the scaling start-up. Moreover, Fractional Leaders are well-placed to mentor founders in developing leadership skills within the new context of a mature organisation. For founders, the state of transition that a scaling start-up goes through will likely have completely new demands for them. But a Fractional Leader can lend their experience to founders through mentorship, so that a founder is more prepared to meet these new demands. For example, a Fractional CTO can mentor you in how to lead a digital transformation at a much larger scale than you may have experience in. So, fractional leaders are not merely positive additions to a team in of themselves, but they also improve the skills of other team members positively through mentorship. Cambridge MC: Empowering Startups on Their Path to Success Cambridge Management Consulting offers unparalleled support to startups embarking on their investment journey with its Fractional Leadership service. With over 175 senior consultants across 22 countries, Cambridge MC provides expertise in various sectors, helping startups overcome people, process, and digital technology challenges. Cambridge MC offers the following Fractional Leaders in the technology space: Chief Digital Officers Chief Information Officers Chief Technology Officers Chief Transformation Officers Chief Data Officers Chief AI Officers Visit our Fractional Digital Leadership service page . For more information on our fractional leadership services, email Philippe Bosquier at pbosquier@cambridgemc.com or use the form below.
A group office workers working late over glowing laptops
by David Lewis 16 August 2024
Current Investment Landscape and Shifts The financial services industry across various specialisations and sectors has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. As highlighted by the Financial Times Adviser, the shift from a pre-COVID-19 world of low interest rates, low inflation, and muted geopolitical risks to a post-pandemic reality of high interest rates, a cost-of-living crisis, and increasing international tensions has reshaped the economic landscape.
Picture of a female founder smiling in a white office background
by David Lewis 6 August 2024
Today is as difficult a time as ever to be an entrepreneur. Yet, in the current start-up landscape, underrepresented founders often face significant and compounded challenges when seeking funding and support for their ventures. As Cambridge Management Consulting begins their exciting partnership with composability, an AI deal advisory firm preparing founders for investment, both parties look forward to an exciting future of making venture capital (VC) accessible to all entrepreneurs. We had the pleasure of sitting down with CEO Ian Jarvis and Elise Elan, Chief Strategy Officer, to learn more. Framing the Problem The inequalities that plague our world are equally prevalent in the business sector, especially for underrepresented founders. The numbers don’t lie. As of 2023: Only 3.47% of founders seeking funding from VC firms are Black Male founders raise nearly 50 times more capital than female founders . Ian Jarvis rightly describes this as a profound problem, asking: "What potential are we missing out on in the process? Why do underrepresented founders face such difficulties when raising institutional money, whether in a seed round or any round at all?" The answer is, of course, complicated. Jarvis notes that the "VC ecosystem itself is broken, as research shows." In this world, "net worth, where people have come from, their university, and the people they have met" often outweigh meritocracy. In a game of assurances and connections, many founders are excluded before they even begin. As Elan also notes, "a core element of helping underrepresented founders is judging them based on their actions, ideas, and plans, and providing appropriate support." However, without the necessary resources, confidence, and connections, these inequalities only compound, leaving potential untapped. The same inequalities that affect other parts of society also infiltrate venture capital funding, deepening the divides and limiting opportunities to reshape the landscape. Underrepresented founders often lack the resources or networks needed to validate their market potential to an investor, which restricts their ability to showcase and maximise their business potential. "We want to break into that," Jarvis asserts, and composability is taking the right steps to make this change. A Formula for Success Despite the complex underlying issues, Jarvis remains confident that transformation is both possible and exciting. Drawing on their extensive careers in technology, consulting, and business scaling, this project represents the "bringing together of all these experiences" to create a formula that works for start-ups and founders. It supports businesses and their leaders at every step, from seeking investment to matching with suitable investors.
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