Fractional COO for hardware and deep-tech startups, from pre-seed to Series B.
How We Can Help
We build the operational backbone hardware and deep-tech startups need to raise, scale, and survive the stretch between pre-seed and Series B. With over seven years experience operating venture-backed companies, we know that hardware and deep-tech ventures carry real technical risk and longer timelines than many generalist operators have worked with. We're energised by that challenge, and we bring the operational rigor to match it — so you can focus on building something extraordinary.
Why Fractional
Most hardware startups at this stage can't justify a full-time COO, but they do need someone who can get things done. We have experience raising capital, scaling a team, and building the systems investors expect to see. Fractional gives you that experience exactly when you need it, without the cost or long-term commitment of a full-time hire, and scales down again once the systems are in place. Not sure what level of engagement fits best? Let's talk it through — the first 30-minute intro call is on us.
Operations handled so you can drive the vision.
Signs You Need a Fractional COO
If any of this sounds familiar —
You've just raised (or are about to) and want the operational backbone to make the most of it.
You're gearing up for a Series A and want more experience on your team to help get you there.
You want to make sure your IP strategy is fit-for-purpose, not just hype.
Your financial reporting feels out of sync and you need it to keep pace with company growth.
You want strong board governance but are new to this type of reporting and communication.
You're stuck firefighting instead of leading.
What We Do
Operational leadership, built for hardware.
Operating Rhythm & Execution
Meeting cadence, R&D operations, and keeping founders out of the day-to-day weeds. To streamline ops and boost productivity.
Board & Governance
Board and shareholder reporting, agreements, and process. To keep connected and maintain compliance.
Fundraising & Investor Operations
Data rooms, cap tables, and round support. To fuel your runway.
Org Design & Team Scaling
Role structure, hiring support, and accountability systems. To build and empower the right team.
Financial Operations & Reporting
Budgets, runway visibility, and reporting systems that scale with you. To stay on track and in control.
IP & Patents
IP and patent portfolio strategy and management. To support your highest value assets.
How It Works
An engagement that scales with what you need.
Most engagements run as an ongoing retainer, scaled to the level of hands-on support you need. If you'd rather start smaller, the Foundation Sprint is a short, low-commitment block of time to get oriented and uncover where the opportunities are, before deciding on anything ongoing. Either way, it starts with an intro call — we'll talk through what you need and build a plan to match.
Intro Call
Free 30 minutes to talk through where you're at
Foundation Sprint
Optional
A short, low-commitment block to get oriented
Ongoing Retainer
Scaled to the level of hands-on support you need
Who We Work With
Founders building hardware or deep-tech companies who need senior operational leadership or mentorship without a full-time hire.
Working with startups in New Zealand and Australia. Home base is Auckland.
Celebrating a first-place finish with a past hardware startup team.
Case Studies & Experience
Hardware and deep-tech startups face a distinct challenge: a "valley of death" between early research funding and full commercial investment — the stretch where companies most need operational and financial discipline, but have the least capacity to build it themselves. These are examples of how I've helped companies cross that gap.
Case Study — Fundraising & Investor Readiness Raising NZ$5M for a Deep-Tech Hardware Startup, Round by Round
The Challenge
Commercialising novel sensor technology out of university research meant translating deep technical work into a narrative investors could underwrite — while running lean, without a dedicated fundraising or finance function, across three sequential funding rounds.
What I Did
Owned fundraising strategy and execution as co-founder — built financial models and investor/board reporting, translated the technical roadmap into a commercial narrative, and pursued venture and non-dilutive funding in parallel to extend runway.
The Outcome
Raised NZ$5M across three funding rounds plus additional non-dilutive funding, scaled the team to 16 across two countries, and delivered the company's first commercial product sales.
Case Study — Post-Raise Operational Backbone Building the Systems a Startup Needed to Grow Past Seed
The Challenge
An early-stage startup had moved beyond seed funding into pilot product development, but its financial reporting, org structure, and meeting rhythms hadn't kept pace — leaving the founder pulled between strategy and day-to-day operations.
What I Did
Built out financial reporting and budgeting systems, introduced a revised org chart and operating style suited to the company's next stage, and put in place a new leadership meeting cadence to improve alignment and decision-making speed.
The Outcome
Company reporting and structure better met preparations for a Series A raise, and the founder was able to spend materially less time on operational firefighting.
Case Study — IP Strategy for Hardware Ventures Turning Novel Technology Into a Defensible Patent Portfolio
The Challenge
A hardware startup built on genuinely novel technology had no in-house legal or IP function, but needed a defensible intellectual property position to protect its core innovation and stand up to investor and customer diligence.
What I Did
Led IP strategy end-to-end — identifying protectable innovations, working with patent counsel, and building filing decisions directly into product and commercial planning rather than treating IP as an afterthought.
The Outcome
Built and managed a portfolio spanning five patent families, strengthening the company's defensibility with investors and giving customers confidence in the technology's originality.
Get in Touch
Katie Walker — Founder, Empower Equity
Let's talk about your next stage.
Send a few details about where you're at, and we'll follow up to schedule your free 30-minute intro call.