Stop making expensive technical decisions alone
I've spent 14 years building, scaling, and selling software companies. Now I help founders skip the mistakes that cost me years.
Two ways we work together
Agency Mentor
Most agency owners face one of two problems: either you can't create demand reliably — struggling to find leads, close deals, and prove you're not a commodity. Or you have demand but can't handle it sustainably — working yourself into the ground with no systems to scale.
Everything in between — hiring, scoping, pricing — is tactical and solvable. These two are what actually keep you stuck.
- Demand generation & positioning
- Systems for sustainable delivery
- Team structure & scaling
- Pricing & client acquisition
Fractional CTO
You have a product gaining traction but no one to own the technical vision. I join your team part-time to set architecture, hire your first engineers, and make sure the tech doesn't become the bottleneck.
- Technical strategy & architecture
- Engineering team building
- Product & technology roadmap
- Due diligence & investor readiness
Most engagements: 2-4 days/month. Typical commitment: 6-12 months.
14 years of building. Every mistake in the book.
I've founded, scaled, and sold software companies for over a decade. I've also run them into the ground, hired the wrong people, and made technical bets that cost me years.
I started my first agency in 2012. Over time we built products for clients like Amazon, HUGO BOSS, and Daimler, became early movers in voice technology, pivoted into blockchain, raised venture capital—and at some point I burned out because I had no idea how to actually run what I'd built. Nobody teaches you that part. Not how to find clients, not how to keep good people, not how to say no to the wrong projects.
So I started over. I rebuilt my agency around speed and a lean freelancer network instead of headcount. I got honest about what I didn't know. And now I help founders and agency owners skip the expensive lessons I had to learn the hard way.
People I've worked with
Alex brought deep insight and a sharp strategic lens to every interaction. His ability to cut to the heart of an issue while keeping conversations constructive made him a valuable voice in the room.
Alex worked as the Head of Engineering at Flowcarbon, known for his technical skills and professionalism. His technical expertise covered everything from front-end to back-end and blockchain development, making him an incredibly versatile asset.
Frequently asked
What do you actually help agency owners with?
Two things, mostly. Either you're not generating enough demand — struggling to find leads, close deals, and convince clients you're not a commodity. Or you have demand but you're working yourself into the ground trying to deliver it all. Most agency problems come down to one of these. The tactical stuff in between — hiring, scoping, writing proposals — that's easier to solve once the bigger issue is clear.
What does working together look like?
Depends on how much access you need. At minimum, we meet once a month for a focused session on whatever's stuck. If you want more support, we can do weekly calls with async access in between — voice notes, quick questions, feedback on proposals or pricing. The goal is to build systems that work without me, not create dependency.
What results can I expect?
Honest answer: it depends. It depends on what you're trying to fix, how quickly you implement, and what you're starting with. I can't promise you'll double revenue in 90 days — anyone who does is lying. What I can promise is clarity on what's actually stuck, a concrete plan to fix it, and someone who's seen enough agency problems to help you avoid the obvious mistakes. The work is still yours to do.
Is there a guarantee?
Yes. If after the first mentoring session you feel like this isn't working for you, I'll refund you in full — no questions asked. I'd rather you walk away than stay in something that isn't helping.
What if I can't afford mentoring right now?
Check out Selling Engineering — it's a course I built for exactly this situation. It covers how to sell your technical skills without feeling like a salesperson: positioning, pricing, closing, handling objections. If you're struggling with the demand side, start there.
How do I compete when clients can just use AI?
You don't compete with AI — you compete with other agencies who are panicking about AI. The ones who win are the ones who can articulate the value of experience, judgment, and accountability. AI can generate code. It can't own the outcome. If you're losing deals to "we'll just use AI," the problem isn't AI — it's positioning.
How is this different from business coaching?
I've run the same business you're running. I've made the pricing mistakes, the hiring mistakes, the "yes to every project" mistakes. This isn't theory from someone who's never shipped a product — it's pattern recognition from building agencies for over a decade.
Who is this for?
Agency owners running teams of 3-30 people. Big enough to have real problems — hiring, delivery, pricing, burnout. Small enough that your decisions still shape everything. If you're a solo freelancer, the course is probably a better fit. If you're running a 50+ person agency, you need someone more specialized.
More ways to learn
Speedrun Studio
My agency—we design and build digital products, fast.
Selling Engineering
Learn how to sell your technical skills—without feeling like a salesperson.
The Founder Experience Podcast
Founders share what actually happened—the wins, the failures, and the decisions they'd make differently.
Alex Gutjahr YouTube
Practical advice on tech leadership, hiring, and running a business in tech.
Not sure where to start?
Book a call. We'll talk through what's stuck, and I'll tell you honestly if I can help—or point you somewhere better.
Book a Discovery Call