Services
A Fractional CPO Who Has Shipped at Google Scale and Startup Speed
SproutVest provides embedded, CPO-level product leadership for AI, blockchain, and enterprise SaaS companies that need executive capability now and cannot justify a full-time hire yet. Every engagement is led directly by Erick Watson.
30-min call · No commitment · Or send a brief →
What the engagement looks like
An experienced product executive on monthly retainer, two to four days a week for six to twelve months. Scope covers product strategy, roadmapping, hiring and mentoring, stakeholder management, investor communications, and sprint planning. Judgment and execution, without the equity, ramp time, and severance risk of a full-time search.
Who this is for
Series A and B AI or blockchain companies past product-market fit that need execution leadership, companies preparing a raise that need a credible product narrative, and technical founders who need a commercial counterpart able to hold their own with engineers.
How it starts
A 30-minute discovery call, then a short scoping conversation. Many engagements open as a 6 to 8 week Yield Sprint that validates the commercial narrative first, so both sides commit with evidence in hand.
The record is documented, not implied
Frequently asked questions
What does a fractional CPO cost compared to a full-time hire?
A full-time CPO at a Series A/B company typically costs $250K+ in salary plus meaningful equity, with a 3 to 6 month search. A fractional engagement is a monthly retainer scoped to the days per week you need, can start within weeks, and can be ended without severance.
How many days per week do you work with us?
Typically two to four, negotiated per engagement, with async availability between working days.
Do you replace our need to hire a CPO eventually?
No, and a good fractional CPO should say so. Part of the role is building the team, process, and hiring bar so your eventual full-time leader inherits a working system. See operator coaching if the goal is developing a founder into that leader.
Which industries do you cover?
AI and machine learning, Web3 and blockchain, healthcare IT, and enterprise SaaS. See the industries we serve →
Ready for product leadership with a record?
Let's discuss whether a fractional engagement fits your stage and roadmap.
Developing yourself into the product leader instead? Take the two-minute pulse check →