Vivek M Elayidom
Fractional CTO
I partner with founders to build, scale, and operate AI-first technology ventures – backed by over a decade of real-world experience as entrepreneur and CTO.
AI only matters when it creates measurable advantage. I put it where it belongs – in products, workflows, and decisions. When things go wrong, I turn projects around and re-establish momentum. Bringing together the perspectives of engineer, CTO, and founder, my role is to help save time and prevent costly mistakes. Founders don't need more theory – they need results.
The right people make the difference. I build high-performing teams, put in workflows that scale without slowing growth, and base every decision on real-world experience. Pragmatic and hands-on, always with ROI in mind from day one. Founders trust me to own the technical side so they can stay focused on growing the business with confidence.
Software Engineering for Business Impact
Trusted by Entrepreneurs
"As a growth company, we are constantly faced with new challenges. Vivek's pragmatic, selective and goal-oriented support helps us to tackle these challenges efficiently and effectively. We can rely on his comprehensive experience and rest assured, that we are doing the right thing. I appreciate the straightforward cooperation a lot."
Impact Oriented Partnership
Direct
Clear guidance as part of your core team.
Efficient
Precise input where it has the biggest impact.
Authentic
Grounded in real-world experience.
Hands-on
Working side by side to build and scale.
Why Work With Me?
Time is the one resource you can't replace. Overengineered architecture, vacant key roles, or unrealistic strategies can set a company back years. Small mistakes compound quickly, creating technical debt and slowing growth when speed matters most. I bring the perspective of someone who has built and scaled companies, written the code, and led teams through growth and restructurings. That experience helps prevent problems before they appear and keeps the focus on building a business that lasts.
Working Side by Side
A Fractional CTO is neither a consultant nor an advisor. It's a hands-on leadership role, part of your team, accountable for technology, just like a co-founder.
My style is clear and straight to the point: honest, direct, and persistent. I'll tell you what you need to hear, not what sounds good in a slide deck. Every engagement is tailored - no off-the-shelf frameworks.
Often my role is less about adding more, and more about removing what doesn't serve the business. I firmly believe in simplicity - the best architectures, workflows, and decisions are those that scale without friction.
When needed, I bring in my network of trusted partners in product, growth, or legal. I coordinate closely so everything works as one.
Services
Leadership & Execution
I step in as your technical leader to align technology with business goals, keep projects on track, and build teams that perform.
- Strategy & Alignment: Technology strategy, project management
- People & Teams: Talent sourcing, recruitment, technical leadership
- Operations & Delivery: Engineering operations, budget and cost optimization
- Risk & Turnaround: Risk management, vendor oversight, project turnaround
Artificial Intelligence
AI only matters when it creates measurable advantage. I help identify, design, and scale AI solutions that work in practice.
- Strategy & Design: AI strategy, generative AI, machine learning and deep learning
- Data & Use Cases: Data architecture, use case discovery and validation
- Prototyping & Models: Proof of concept, model development
- Operations & Scale: AIOps / MLOps, running AI at scale
- Governance: AI governance and compliance
Engineering Foundations
Strong technology starts with a strong foundation. I design and supervise the systems, processes, and software that keep ventures moving.
- Product Foundations: Prototype and MVP development, requirements engineering
- Architecture & Build: Software architecture, software development
- Quality & Maintenance: Quality assurance, refactoring, problem-solving
- Operations: DevOps, infrastructure and cloud
Transformation & Growth
Scaling a venture means evolving technology and operations without losing focus. I help you grow with clarity and control.
- Innovation & Models: Technology innovation, new business models
- New Work: Remote workforce management, automation and workflow design
- Modernization: Digital and cloud transformation, data and analytics
- Risk & Partners: Cyber and digital risk, vendor selection and procurement
Audits & Due Diligence
When making high-stakes decisions, I provide independent assessments to uncover risks and opportunities before they become expensive.
- Technology Reviews: Architecture and tech stack, code quality, scalability
- Performance, load testing
- Security: Security audits, risk analysis
Board & Advisory
Technology expertise at the governance level, supporting long-term vision and investor confidence.
- Board Roles: Board of directors, advisory board
About Vivek M Elayidom
Professional Experience
2025 - Current
Vivek M Elayidom
Fractional CTO & Senior Solution Architect
I have built my fractional CTO and consulting practice to work hands-on with founders and enterprises at various stages—from MVPs to scaling international teams. Every engagement gives me a front-row seat to new business models and technologies, while also letting me share lessons learned from my own ventures. It keeps me curious, and connected to what's really affecting the tech startup ecosystem.
2023 - 2025
Sustainext.ai
Consultant - Product Solution Architect
Led technology and solution architecture, driving scalable AI+IoT platform development focused on sustainability analytics and IoT data integration.
2021 - 2023
Mrgn.ai
New York - Solution Architect
Managed technology leadership for AI-driven SaaS platform development in financial services, focusing on cloud scalability and architecture modernization.
2010 - 2021
mDrift Technologies Pvt Ltd
Chief Technology Lead - Head of Technology
Founded and led a Python-centric software consultancy, delivering turnkey enterprise solutions in AI, IoT, and cloud computing across global clients. Managed cross-functional teams, drove product roadmaps, and architected SaaS platforms integrated with AWS and Azure cloud environments.
Earlier roles include technical consulting and software engineering positions across enterprise and digital transformation projects involving AI, machine learning, and edge computing.
Startups and Scale-Ups
From business plans to hiring a tech team and fundraising - I deeply engage in understanding your business model and challenges. My network supports rapid setup and reduction of time-to-market with expert fractional professionals.
Sparring Partner
I offer honest, no-nonsense technical and business feedback, highlighting risks and opportunities early.
Scaling & Professionalisation
I guide rapid team growth, process establishment, and tech operations while preserving vision.
MVP Development
I help define MVP scope and implementation strategy to minimize risk and maximize market validation.
Initial Setup
I support the critical early decisions—from tech stacks to team setup—to lay foundations for scalable ventures.
M&A Transactions
I provide technical due diligence, risk analysis, and acquisition readiness tailored for startups and scaleups.
Experienced Board Member and Tech Advisor
I bring governance-level technology expertise focused on digital strategy, AI-driven innovation, and risk mitigation.
Software Quality and Scalability Audits
I perform architecture assessments, code quality reviews, load testing, and security audits — helping you understand current capabilities and growth limits.
CTO Consulting
Providing interim and fractional CTO services focused on startup and scale-up digital strategy, operational excellence, and technology innovation.
High-End Software Engineering and Architecture
Delivering expert guidance on software systems, rapid prototyping, and scalable architectures.
Get In Touch
Ready to discuss your technology challenges? Let's talk.