The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

“My grand vision is to make the RFP obsolete — and I believe AI can make that happen.”— Peter Bonney, CEO & Founder of FastbreakIn this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we’re joined by Peter Bonney, CEO and Founder of Fastbreak, to discuss how AI is transforming one of the most painful processes in enterprise sales: responding to RFPs. With over 9 years of experience navigating the procurement landscape from both buyer and seller perspectives, Peter shares his bold vision for eliminating inefficiencies, empowering sales teams, and ultimately making the traditional RFP obsolete.We dive deep into how Fastbreak uses AI to semantically understand complex company knowledge, automate responses, and allow human teams to focus on what truly matters. We also touch on the future of SaaS, defensibility in the AI age, and how to scale efficiently in uncertain times.🔑 Key Takeaways • The inefficiency in RFP processes is still a major pain point for enterprises. • Fastbreak’s AI engine builds a semantic understanding of company content to generate smart, relevant responses. • The goal isn’t to replace people but to empower them — AI handles repetitive tasks, humans focus on high-value work. • Peter’s ultimate vision: make RFPs obsolete by using AI on both buyer and seller sides. • In a world where “every company is now an AI company,” finding a defensible moat is more important than ever. • Scaling AI-driven SaaS is easier than ever thanks to API access to foundation models — but maintaining differentiation is critical. • AI helps in shortening B2B sales cycles by optimizing responses, follow-ups, and internal coordination.⸻🎓 What You’ll Learn • Why enterprise procurement is still stuck in a legacy loop • How AI changes the way sales teams and proposal managers operate • What the future of “robot-to-robot selling” could look like • The risks of building on top of foundational models — and how to stay ahead • How founders should think about scalability, support, and customer trust in the AI age👤 About the Guest – Peter BonneyPeter Bonney is the CEO and Founder of Vendorful, a SaaS platform designed to simplify and accelerate complex engagements between B2B buyers and sellers. Peter's leadership has helped Vendorful become a key player in the B2B tech space, focusing on making complex procurement processes more efficient and transparent.He is also the CEO and Founder of Fastbreak, a spinoff from Vendorful focused on helping sales and pre-sales teams leverage their company’s knowledge and collaborate seamlessly with internal subject-matter experts (SMEs) to make complex deals faster and easier.https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-bonney-nyc/https://vendorful.ai/https://fastbreakrfp.com/🕒 Episode Highlights & Timestamps0:00 – Welcome and introduction1:05 – Peter’s background and the founding of Fastbreak3:30 – Where AI fits into the RFP response process6:50 – Why procurement remains one of the most outdated processes10:00 – AI’s impact on sales roles: AEs, SDRs, and proposal managers14:30 – Reducing repetitive work with AI and improving quality of responses18:00 – Are buyers using ChatGPT to write RFPs? Signs you can spot21:00 – Peter’s “wild idea” to eliminate RFPs using dual-sided AI24:30 – Robot-to-robot selling and how customers use AI to choose vendors26:00 – Shrinking B2B sales cycles with AI-enabled efficiency29:00 – Virtual sales engineers and the future of sales collaboration32:00 – Is every SaaS company now an AI company?34:30 – The challenge of defensibility in a world of rapid AI evolution37:00 – Scaling SaaS in the age of APIs and democratized infrastructure39:30 – Fundraising, angel investing, and Peter’s honest outlook on the future42:00 – Final thoughts on Lean Startup principles, failure, and staying adaptive

In this episode, Mehmet speaks with Zeke Camusio, founder of Data Speaks, an AI-powered platform helping marketers and founders finally solve the attribution puzzle. From cutting through vanity metrics to deploying machine learning for media mix modeling, Zeke shares a tactical playbook for maximizing return on every marketing dollar—without increasing ad spend.Whether you’re a founder navigating early-stage growth or a CMO optimizing multimillion-dollar campaigns, this conversation offers powerful insights into how AI is transforming marketing efficiency.🔑 Key Takeaways • The two major attribution challenges most startups overlook • Why traditional analytics tools like Google Analytics can mislead your strategy • The difference between multi-touch attribution and media mix modeling • How AI and machine learning bring clarity to messy marketing data • What startup founders should know before scaling their ad budget • How to optimize ROI across multiple channels—even with limited resources • What to expect from the future of marketing in a cookie-less, AI-powered world💡 What You’ll Learn • Why attribution is broken—and how to fix it • How to reduce waste in marketing spend • How small businesses can access tools once limited to enterprise • The strategic role of AI in marketing planning • When to consider first-party tracking vs. third-party pixels • How to think about incrementality in your campaigns👤 About Zeke CamusioZeke Camusio is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Data Speaks, an AI-powered analytics platform that helps companies identify what drives their sales and invest in the right marketing strategies.With a background in economics and data science, Zeke has spent the last 20 years developing AI, machine learning and data analytics solutions, enabling hundreds of companies to make data-driven decisions and accelerate growth.He is a frequent speaker at AI, machine learning, and digital marketing conferences and podcasts.https://www.dataspeaks.ai/https://www.linkedin.com/in/zekecamusio/⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps • [00:02:00] – Zeke’s background and journey from marketing agency to AI startup • [00:06:00] – Common misconceptions about data-driven marketing • [00:10:00] – Attribution breakdown: why last-click logic fails • [00:13:00] – Explaining media mix modeling with real-world examples • [00:17:00] – Where machine learning fits into attribution • [00:20:00] – Why tracking individual users is no longer the best path • [00:26:00] – Cost considerations: DIY vs. partnering with attribution experts • [00:29:00] – Can we track traffic from ChatGPT and LLMs? • [00:33:00] – Zeke’s prediction: AI agents as decision-making assistants • [00:36:00] – Final advice for founders and marketing leaders 

AI is reshaping consumer behavior like never before, creating both opportunities and challenges for businesses. In this episode, I sit down with Shahar Boyayan, an expert in consumer psychology and AI-driven behavior, to discuss how businesses—especially small businesses and entrepreneurs—must adapt to this shift. We explore hyper-personalization, AI-driven marketing, the ethics of AI in business, and how companies can leverage AI without crossing privacy boundaries.Key Takeaways✅ AI is becoming an extension of consumer behavior – Understanding how consumers interact with AI is crucial for business success.✅ The rise of hyper-personalization – AI can tailor experiences, but businesses must balance personalization with privacy.✅ Small businesses can compete with big players – AI tools are now accessible to startups, leveling the playing field.✅ The ethics of AI in marketing – Businesses need to be aware of AI’s influence and ensure transparency in data usage.✅ Why you need to embrace AI now – Waiting too long to adapt could leave businesses behind.What You’ll Learn in This Episode🔹 How AI is shaping modern consumer behavior🔹 The eight laws of irresistibility in business🔹 The risks and benefits of AI-driven personalization🔹 How small businesses can leverage AI for growth🔹 The future of AI in marketing, e-commerce, and customer engagementAbout the GuestShahar Boyayan is a leading expert in the fascinating intersection of consumer behavior and artificial intelligence. With her finger on the pulse of emerging technologies and their impact on commerce, Shahar offers invaluable insights into the future of consumer trends and business strategies.She is the author of the groundbreaking report, "AI-Driven Consumer Trends and Business Applications: Navigating the Near Future of Commerce and the Eight Laws of Irresistibility." This seminal work has quickly become a go-to resource for businesses looking to harness the power of AI in understanding and influencing consumer behavior.https://proptalkie.com/ai-trendshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/shahar/Episode Highlights (with timestamps)⏳ [00:02:00] – Shahar’s journey from Brazil to the U.S. and her passion for consumer behavior⏳ [00:04:00] – Why AI is the biggest shift in consumer behavior in decades⏳ [00:06:30] – The eight laws of irresistibility and why emotional connection matters in business⏳ [00:09:00] – The rise of AI-generated marketing content—how can businesses stay authentic?⏳ [00:12:30] – AI-driven personalization: How much is too much?⏳ [00:18:00] – The role of AI in e-commerce and retail transformation⏳ [00:24:00] – AI’s ability to understand human emotions and predict moods⏳ [00:28:00] – The AI shopping cart: How AI is reshaping online shopping experiences⏳ [00:31:00] – How small businesses can use AI to stay competitive⏳ [00:37:00] – Shahar’s final advice for entrepreneurs on using AI wisely

In this episode, I sit down with Alex Malkov and Andrey Kuznetsov, co-founders of Haqq Network, to explore how Islamic finance and blockchain are merging to create ethical DeFi solutions. Haqq Network aims to bring Sharia-compliant financial products into the Web3 space, addressing fairness, transparency, and financial inclusion. We discuss real-world tokenization, the role of AI in DeFi, and how blockchain can revolutionize Islamic finance for 2 billion Muslims worldwide.Key Takeaways✅ Bridging Islamic Finance & Web3 – Why Sharia-compliant finance matters in DeFi✅ Tokenization of Real Assets – Gold, Sukuk, and commodities in the blockchain era✅ Regulatory Landscape – How MENA and Southeast Asia are shaping crypto adoption✅ AI in Blockchain – The role of machine learning in ethical finance and user experience✅ Beyond Meme Coins – Why sustainable, mission-driven crypto mattersWhat You’ll Learn📌 The core principles of Islamic finance and how they apply to DeFi📌 How Haqq Network is pioneering Sharia-compliant blockchain solutions📌 The challenges and opportunities in tokenizing real-world assets📌 Why AI is a game-changer for user-friendly DeFi adoption📌 The future of ethical investing in blockchainAbout the Guests🔹 Alex Malkov – Alex Malkov combines over a decade of legal experience with a focus on Web3 projects. He has worked with major blockchain and fintech firms like AAVE and Bequant, ensuring legal compliance and innovative approaches in the space. His leadership at HAQQ focuses on building an ethics-first blockchain platform that addresses real-world challenges, particularly in emerging markets. His areas of expertise include DeFi, crypto adoption in South East Asia, Real World Tokenization, Rise of Islamic Fintech, Blockchain solutions.https://www.linkedin.com/in/probono42/🔹 Andrey Kuznetsov –Andrey is a serial entrepreneur and engineer focused on fintech, cybersecurity, and network communication solutions. He has led teams that have built payment services, corporate messengers, blockchain staking services, and financial analysis software.Andrey is a serial entrepreneur and engineer focused on fintech, cybersecurity, and network communication solutions. He has led teams that have built payment services, corporate messengers, blockchain staking services, and financial analysis software. His areas of expertise include real world tokenization, crypto adoption in GCC and SEA regions, and a tech side of blockchain. https://www.linkedin.com/in/brainsmith/https://haqq.networkEpisode Highlights⏳ [00:00] – Welcome & Introduction to Haqq Network⏳ [02:00] – Alex & Andrey’s backgrounds and roles at Haqq⏳ [05:00] – The inspiration behind Haqq Network & Islamic Coin⏳ [08:00] – How Sharia principles apply to blockchain finance⏳ [12:00] – Tokenizing real assets: Gold, commodities, and beyond⏳ [18:00] – Regulatory insights: MENA vs. Southeast Asia adoption⏳ [26:00] – AI’s impact on blockchain & DeFi accessibility⏳ [35:00] – The future of ethical crypto & sustainable DeFi⏳ [45:00] – Final thoughts: Advice for entrepreneurs in Web3

In this episode, I sit down with Nadav Boaz, a seasoned entrepreneur and AI-driven product builder, to explore how AI is reshaping business, product development, and sales. Nadav shares his insights on launching AI-powered startups, the evolving landscape of human-to-AI interactions, and why competitive advantages are shifting away from technology itself.We also dive into thought-provoking questions like: • Will AI replace human-led sales and customer interactions? • What gives startups a competitive edge when AI levels the playing field? • How is AI changing the speed and dynamics of launching new products? • What’s the future of B2B SaaS in a world where businesses can build their own tools?If you’re an entrepreneur, tech leader, or curious about the future of AI-driven businesses, this episode is for you!🎯 Key Takeaways✅ AI is an amplifier—launching products is easier, but differentiation is harder.✅ Competitive advantage now comes from market capture rather than just technology.✅ AI-powered sales and customer interactions are already replacing human-led processes.✅ Startups should validate markets before building, as launching is now faster than ever.✅ B2B SaaS could face disruption as companies build their own AI-powered internal tools.✅ Future success depends on speed, adaptability, and customer acquisition strategies.🎙 About the Guest: Nadav BoazNadav is an AI and tech thought leader, ranked as LinkedIn’s Top AI Voice, with extensive experience in  Al Transforming Industries, Philosophy in Tech, Remote Teams & Hiring, Automation & Efficiency, Innovation & Leadership, Tech & Dating, Digital Psychology, Growth Hacking and Human EngineeringHe’s passionate about AI, humanity’s future, and the philosophical implications of tech and would bring valuable insights to your audience.   🔗 Connect with Nadav Boaz • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedx/ • Website: https://voiceDrop.ai | https://www.prymatica.com/📌 Episode Highlights & Timestamps⏳ 00:00 – Intro & Welcome Nadav Boaz⏳ 01:30 – Nadav’s journey: From failures to AI-powered success⏳ 04:00 – How AI is changing product development and competition⏳ 07:00 – The future of startup differentiation: Is tech still a competitive advantage?⏳ 10:30 – The rise of AI-powered sales and marketing: Is human-led interaction dead?⏳ 14:00 – AI selling to AI: The future of automation in business⏳ 19:30 – The importance of market validation before product development⏳ 24:00 – How AI is used in cold email marketing and voice automation⏳ 32:00 – The future of B2B SaaS: Will big companies replace SaaS with internal AI?⏳ 38:00 – Entrepreneurial mindset: How to stay ahead in the AI revolution⏳ 40:00 – Final thoughts & where to connect with Nadav

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Alec Crawford, an AI and cybersecurity expert with decades of experience in financial institutions like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Deutsche Bank. Alec is now leading AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, focusing on AI Governance, Risk, Compliance, and Cybersecurity (AI GRCC).We dive into:🔹 How AI is reshaping cybersecurity—both defensively and offensively🔹 The biggest vulnerabilities companies face in the AI era🔹 Why traditional security approaches aren’t enough anymore🔹 How businesses can balance AI adoption with compliance and governance🔹 The rise of AI-powered cyber threats, including phishing, data breaches, and zero-day exploits🔹 The role of AI agents in securing enterprises🔹 Why regulators are behind and what businesses must do to stay compliantThis episode is packed with actionable insights for CISOs, CTOs, tech leaders, and entrepreneurs looking to navigate the fast-evolving cybersecurity landscape.🎙️ About Alec CrawfordAlec Crawford founded and leads Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc., which accelerates Gen AI adoption through a platform ensuring AI safety, security, and compliance. The company  achieving the top rank for both Gen AI cybersecurity and regulatory compliance from Waters Technology in 2024. Alec, an AI, investing and risk management expert, shares insights through various media and has a rich history of leadership roles, including at Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC, where he managed global investment risks. His background spans prominent positions in financial services since 1988, including at Ziff Brothers Investments, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. Alec holds a Computer Science degree from Harvard, where he specialized in artificial intelligence.https://linkedin.com/in/aleccrawfordhttps://aicrisk.com/🎯 Key Takeaways✅ AI is both the biggest opportunity and the biggest threat in cybersecurity✅ AI-driven cyberattacks—such as hyper-realistic phishing, deepfake fraud, and rapid zero-day exploits—are evolving faster than defenses✅ Many companies are adopting AI without a clear security strategy, leading to data leaks and compliance risks✅ Traditional cybersecurity models aren’t keeping up, and CISOs must embrace AI-driven defense mechanisms✅ Organizations should focus on AI governance early to avoid massive compliance fines from GDPR, the EU AI Act, and emerging U.S. state regulations✅ AI agents will automate threat detection and compliance monitoring, but adoption must be done securely🎧 What You’ll Learn🔹 How AI helps hackers launch more sophisticated cyberattacks🔹 Why regulatory compliance for AI is still a gray area and what businesses need to do now🔹 The future of AI in security—from AI-powered monitoring to real-time attack mitigation🔹 What AI GRCC (Governance, Risk, Compliance, and Cybersecurity) means for organizations🔹 Why cybersecurity needs to shift from reactive to proactive strategies⏳ Episode Chapters (Timestamps for YouTube & Spotify)00:00 - Intro & Welcome to Alec Crawford02:00 - Alec’s Background: From Harvard Neural Networks to AI Security05:30 - The Acceleration of AI & Cybersecurity Threats08:45 - The Role of AI in Phishing & Data Breaches12:15 - How Businesses Can Secure AI Adoption Without Breaking Compliance15:30 - The Biggest Security Gaps in Enterprises Today18:40 - AI in Governance & Regulatory Compliance22:00 - Why Cybersecurity Teams Are Facing Alert Fatigue26:15 - The Future of AI Agents in Cybersecurity30:00 - AI-Powered Threat Detection & Ransomware Prevention35:30 - The Next Evolution of AI in Security40:00 - Final Thoughts & Where to Find Alec

In this episode, I sit down with John Cousins, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and educator, to discuss financial literacy, startup success, AI’s impact on learning, and the future of solopreneurship. With experience spanning MIT, IPOs, hedge funds, and AI-driven education, John shares powerful insights on navigating the world of business, investment, and entrepreneurship.🔹 Key Takeaways from This Episode✔️ The Power of Financial Literacy – Why schools fail to teach financial basics and how to take control of your money.✔️ Startup Success – The traits that define successful entrepreneurs and why execution matters more than ideas.✔️ Angel Investing & Hedge Funds – What John looks for in founders and how to evaluate great investments.✔️ AI & Business Education – How AI is transforming the way we learn, create, and run businesses.✔️ The Future of Solopreneurship – Why AI-powered one-person businesses are the future.✔️ Building a Learning Habit – The secret behind writing 63 books and educating 30,000+ students.✔️ Actionable Advice – How to take control of your finances, career, and entrepreneurial journey.🔹 About John CousinsJohn Cousins is an investor, tech founder, and bestselling author of Corporate Finance A$AP and over 60 other books. John is the founder of MBA ASAP, which provides training to individuals, over 30,000 students in 165 countries, and corporations including Adidas, Apple, General Mills, Kaiser Permanente, Lyft, PayPal, Pinterest, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen.John has taught MBA students at universities worldwide. Currently General Partner at Tetraktys Global, a quantitative hedge fund, he is an early investor in many successful tech companies and crypto protocols.https://www.mba-asap.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncousinsiii/🔹 Episode Highlights & Timestamps⏳ [00:01] – John’s Background: From MIT and electronic music to entrepreneurship⏳ [00:06] – Taking Companies Public: John’s experience with IPOs and running a hedge fund⏳ [00:12] – The Financial Literacy Gap: Why schools don’t teach finance & how to learn it yourself⏳ [00:17] – 30,000+ Students Across 167 Countries: How MBA ASAP is making business knowledge accessible⏳ [00:22] – AI in Learning & Business: John’s AI-driven negotiation course and multi-language digital learning⏳ [00:28] – Investment Strategies & Startup Traits: What investors look for in founders & businesses⏳ [00:36] – Solopreneurship & AI Tools: How AI is enabling individuals to run entire companies⏳ [00:42] – The Future of Work: AI agents, automation, and the rise of one-person empires⏳ [00:48] – John’s Writing Process: How he has published 63 books and distilled complex ideas

AI is transforming healthcare at an unprecedented pace, from medical imaging advancements to the potential of robotic-assisted surgeries and predictive medicine. In this episode, Dr. Robert Toth, Founder of Thetat Tech AI, joins us to discuss how AI is revolutionizing radiology, diagnostics, and patient care, the ethical and regulatory challenges ahead, and what the future holds for AI-driven healthcare solutions.🔑 Key Takeaways✅ How AI is revolutionizing medical imaging – from X-rays and MRIs to 3D imaging and segmentation✅ The role of AI in surgery – why fully autonomous robotic surgeons are still far away✅ The impact of AI on healthcare workflows – improving documentation, diagnostics, and patient care✅ Regulatory challenges – how FDA approvals and data privacy laws shape AI adoption✅ Predictive medicine – how AI can forecast disease risks based on genetic and lifestyle data✅ The future of patient data ownership – shifting from hospital control to consumer-driven models🎯 What You’ll Learn • Why AI in medical imaging is one of the most exciting areas of innovation • How robot-assisted surgeries are evolving • The challenges of AI adoption in healthcare, from regulatory hurdles to physician resistance • How AI-driven predictive analytics could revolutionize preventative medicine • What the future holds for wearables, medical IoT (M-IoT), and patient data control🎙️ About Our Guest – Dr. Robert TothDr. Robert Toth holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on medical imaging AI. As the Founder of Thetatech AI, he has spent the last 11 years developing custom AI healthcare solutions, working with universities and medical device companies to push the boundaries of AI applications in healthcare.https://thetatech.aihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/robtoth/🎥 Episode Highlights (Timestamps)⏳ [00:02:00] – Why Dr. Robert Toth chose biomedical engineering and AI⏳ [00:05:00] – AI’s biggest impact today: automating paperwork, transcriptions, and medical summaries⏳ [00:09:00] – Why fully autonomous robot surgeons are still far off⏳ [00:12:00] – Breakthroughs in medical imaging AI and 3D models for diagnostics⏳ [00:17:00] – How AI helps in medical research and drug discovery⏳ [00:22:00] – The regulatory hurdles slowing AI adoption in healthcare⏳ [00:27:00] – Future trends: VR in surgery, medical IoT, and predictive health analytics⏳ [00:32:00] – How startups and entrepreneurs can break into the health AI space⏳ [00:37:00] – What the future of AI-powered hospitals will look like

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the future of finance with Agne Linge, Head of Growth at WeFi. Fresh from Davos, Agne shares insights into the latest trends in DeFi, AI-powered fintech, and the evolving global economy. We explore how blockchain and AI are reshaping banking, why traditional financial institutions are falling behind, and how decentralized finance is unlocking economic freedom worldwide.🎯 Key Takeaways✅ Why DeFi & AI are disrupting traditional banking models✅ How blockchain enables financial freedom & inclusion✅ The role of AI in fraud detection, KYC, and wealth management✅ The impact of US crypto policies and Trump’s stance on blockchain✅ The latest insights from Davos on finance, trade wars, and digital assets📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode🔸 What makes DeFi superior to traditional banking?🔸 How AI is being used in neobanks for security, automation, and compliance🔸 How global regulations—including in the UAE—are shaping Web3 and crypto adoption🔸 Will blockchain disrupt central banking and government spending transparency?🔸 How financial institutions are preparing for the AI-powered banking future🔹 About Agne LingeAgne Linge serves as a head of growth and board member of WeFi, with a robust background in the crypto, DeFi, and fintech sectors. She brings over eight years of experience in the crypto industry, complemented by more than ten years in consulting, where she has honed her skills in advisory services, strategic planning, and business development.Her expertise spans blockchain technologies, including Layer 1s and Layer 2s, as well as centralized and decentralized exchanges and DeFi protocols.With a solid foundation in traditional finance, Agne’s hands-on experience in crypto and DeFi positions her as a knowledgeable voice in the field. She is an active participant in the crypto community, with a vast network that fosters collaboration and innovation. A sought-after speaker, Agne regularly presents at major global conferences, including Devcon, ETH Denver, and ETH Barcelona. Her previous roles as a director at Binance and head of communications at DeGate further highlight her influential presence in the evolving landscape of digital finance.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnelinge/WeFi Website: https://www.wefi.co/🎙 Episode Highlights & Timestamps⏳ [00:01:00] – Agne Linge’s background in finance & crypto⏳ [00:04:30] – The vision of WeFi: AI & blockchain in neobanking⏳ [00:10:00] – Why crypto, AI, and blockchain are more than just buzzwords⏳ [00:15:30] – Understanding DAOs: How decentralized governance works⏳ [00:21:00] – Trump, Elon Musk & blockchain: The impact of US policies on DeFi⏳ [00:27:45] – The role of AI in fraud detection, compliance, and risk management⏳ [00:32:00] – The future of finance: How AI & DeFi will shape the global economy⏳ [00:37:00] – Crypto regulation in the UAE & MENA: Why Dubai is the global Web3 hub⏳ [00:40:30] – Final thoughts & Agne’s advice for embracing financial innovation

Struggling to scale your tech team? Not sure when to move beyond an agency and build in-house? In this episode, we dive deep into engineering team optimization, startup scaling challenges, and the future of AI in development with Vygandas Pliasas—a Fractional CTO and expert in engineering management.🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ When startups should transition from an agency to an in-house team✅ The common traps founders fall into when working with external dev teams✅ The step-by-step process for fixing tech bottlenecks and improving team efficiency✅ How to scale remote engineering teams without chaos✅ AI’s impact on development and how to integrate it into your tech strategy✅ The biggest mistakes startups make when hiring developers✅ The red flags that indicate it’s time for a change in your tech team🎯 Key Takeaways:📌 Miscommunication with agencies can slow progress—here’s how to fix it📌 The right moment to build an in-house team and hire a Fractional CTO📌 Scaling tech teams requires balancing technical leadership & business goals📌 AI helps but doesn’t replace human decision-making—how to use it effectivelyAbout Vygandas:Vygandad is a seasoned Fractional CTO and software development executive with over 18 years of experience. He specializes in scaling startups, building dedicated remote teams, and driving technical innovation. With expertise in SaaS, e-commerce, and compliance-driven industries, he helps businesses align their technology with strategic goals, ensuring impactful, sustainable growth. From mentoring engineering leaders to streamlining operations, he empowers teams to deliver excellence while cutting costs and boosting performance.https://www.cortip.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/vygandas/⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome & intro to Vygandas Pliasas02:30 - Why founders struggle with agency-based development05:15 - How to know when to bring development in-house08:40 - The challenges of scaling remote engineering teams12:10 - Hiring & firing: How fast is too fast, how late is too late?18:45 - AI in development: What works, what doesn’t30:10 - The biggest startup tech mistakes and how to avoid them38:45 - Final thoughts & where to find Vygandas online