Keiboarder Optimizes Development and Strategy for Returns Logistics Startup

A returns logistics company in Nashville, founded during the pandemic, aimed to simplify the returns process. The business planned to use technology to scan members' emails for purchases and track return windows. Two external development teams were contracted—one for infrastructure and one for the consumer mobile app. After two years, development output had significantly slowed, and the development teams experienced high turnover. The non-technical founders recognized the need for a CTO to manage the technology side of the business and engaged Keiboarder to fill this role in a fractional capacity, requiring approximately 10 hours per week.

• Slowed development output and high turnover within the development teams after two years.  
• Lack of technical expertise among the founders to effectively manage development teams.

Keiboarder's Fractional CTO took on the following responsibilities:

• Managing the development teams.  
• Managing the IT budget.  
• Managing the product roadmap.  
• Developing data management systems.  
• Supporting the business's scaling trajectory.  
• Acting as a technical liaison with investors. 

• Development team output and stability improved.  
• Weekly meetings implemented to maintain project momentum.  
• Spending reduced.  
• Keiboarder's CTO encouraged a new strategic direction.  
• Increased confidence among founders, C-suite, and investors in the technical foundation and product direction.  
• Quarterly review and adjustment of the product roadmap for agility.  
• Access to an admin dashboard for real-time business tracking.

• Improved Development Process: Development team output and stability were restored through effective management and communication.  
• Cost Reduction: Spending was reduced, optimizing the IT budget.  
• Strategic Alignment: The company's long-term goals were supported through strategic guidance and roadmap management.  
• Increased Confidence: Confidence in the technical direction and infrastructure grew among founders, the C-suite, and investors.  
• Enhanced Agility: Quarterly roadmap reviews enabled the company to adapt to changing consumer needs.  ‍
• Real-time Insights: An admin dashboard provided founders and investors with valuable real-time business data.

• Fractional CTO Value: A Fractional CTO can provide essential technical leadership and guidance, particularly for non-technical founders.
• ‍Development Team Management: Effective management and communication are crucial for development team productivity and stability.
• ‍Strategic Technology Alignment: Aligning technology strategy with business goals is essential for long-term success.‍
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Providing access to real-time data empowers informed decision-making.