Question 1

What is SproutVest?

Accepted Answer

SproutVest is a fractional CPO and venture strategy consultancy founded by Erick Watson in 2013, based in Seattle, WA. The firm helps founders, venture funds, and family offices commercialize technically complex products in AI, blockchain, and enterprise SaaS. All engagements are led directly by Erick Watson.

Question 2

What is a fractional CPO?

Accepted Answer

A fractional CPO (Chief Product Officer) is an experienced product executive who works with a company part-time or on contract, typically for a defined number of hours per week or a set engagement period. For early-stage companies, a fractional CPO provides CPO-level strategic guidance and execution without the cost or commitment of a full-time executive hire. SproutVest fractional CPO engagements typically run 3–12 months.

Question 3

Who is Erick Watson?

Accepted Answer

Erick Watson is the founder and principal of SproutVest. He has 15+ years of product management and commercialization experience at Google, Microsoft, Protocol Labs, and high-growth startups. He contributed to $1.22B in incremental ARR at Google Search Ads, served 34M+ users at Elevance Health, generated $12M+ in B2B enterprise sales at Quantarium, co-founded Trensant (acquired by Interos.ai), and raised $54.3M across ventures. He is a member of the Toptal network (top 3% of global freelance product managers) and holds 2 patents.

Question 4

What results has SproutVest achieved for clients?

Accepted Answer

SproutVest has contributed to $1.33B+ in documented revenue impact: $1.22B in incremental ARR at Google Search Ads, $12M+ in enterprise B2B sales at Quantarium, +8% conversion rate improvement at Angi.com generating tens of millions in incremental revenue, $15M in debt financing secured at G.A.E.M.S., and $3.3M pre-seed raised at Randamu. Erick Watson has participated in 4 startup exits and raised $54.3M across ventures.

Question 5

What types of engagements does SproutVest offer?

Accepted Answer

SproutVest offers five engagement types: (1) Fractional CPO / Product Leadership, embedded CPO-level leadership for 3-12+ months; (2) Venture Strategy & Commercialization, 6-8 week sprints to validate commercial narratives; (3) Technical Due Diligence, 1-3 week product and technology assessments for investors; (4) Family Office & Fund Advisory, ongoing advisory for investment vehicles with deep tech exposure; (5) Operator Coaching, 1:1 development for founder-CEOs and product executives, from $4,000/mo with a 3-month minimum.

Question 6

How do I engage SproutVest?

Accepted Answer

The best starting point is a 30-minute discovery call at https://cal.com/sproutvest, or you can submit a project brief at https://sproutvest.com/contact/. SproutVest responds to every inquiry within 24 hours on business days. There is no obligation or commitment required for the initial call.

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