Services > Fractional CPO
SKIN IN THE GAME: PRODUCT LEADERSHIP FOR EQUITY
We share the risk out of conviction. For a small number of selected founders and early-stage startups we offer a hybrid compensation model.
Why we do it
Our motto CREATE WITH CONVICTION is not a catchphrase. It’s what we believe in. This is why.
Most advisors get paid whether your product succeeds or not. They want to maximize their billable hours.
We think a partner should have something to lose too, which is why Product Rocker takes part of its fee in equity for a few selected companies. We voluntarily lower our upfront cash retainer and back our conviction by taking an equity option or advisory shares (Sweat Equity).
This forces us plan with the same horizon as you and build for what lasts. Eventually we are entrepreneus too, not mercenaries selling hours.
And, if we produce a hit record together, we want to share the upside, too. If your business is ready for that level of mutual commitment and shared risk, there is a way.
How it works
Instead of the full monthly fee, you pay a reduced cash retainer and Product Rocker receives equity or advisory shares in return.
The work itself is the same as in a Fractional CPO engagement: product strategy, roadmap, team setup and product processes, led by Gregor and supported by The Crëw.
- Discovery Call. We get to know each other and your product.
- Mutual check. We look at your product, team and numbers, and you look at us. Both sides can say no.
- Agreement. Retainer, equity share and vesting in writing, before the work starts.
- Start. As in a Fractional CPO engagement, with a longer horizon.
At a glance
- Cash retainer: from € 8,000 per month.
- Equity: We define the actual numbers together.
- Vesting: 3 years, 1-year cliff
- Board seat: optional
- Availability: Selected and upon request
Investment
Our equity options starts at a cash retainer of €8,000 per month plus equity.
The exact terms depend on stage, scope and valuation, and we agree on them in writing before we start.
Who it’s for
Our Equity Option is for early-stage startups and founders who build for the long run rather than the next exit building a product that addresses a cause and solves a problem in a way we believe in.
What we look for:
- Founders who make decisions out of conviction and are ready to share them, and swim against the current
- A product that puts its customers first and creates real benefit in a cause tha we too believe in
- A team that wants to build something that lasts
- A clear idea of what the next 18 months need to deliver
Who it’s not for:
If you’re looking for cheaper gig, our equity option is the wrong door. We only say yes where we would invest our own time even without a contract.
FAQ
Can we pay part of the fee in equity?
Yes – for a small number of carefully selected early-stage startups and portfolio companies, Product Rocker works with a reduced cash retainer plus equity or advisory shares. We share the risk out of conviction, which is exactly why we only do it where we believe in both the product and the team.
How much equity does Product Rocker take?
Product Rocker takes between 1 and 2 % equity or advisory shares, vesting over three years with a one-year cliff, in combination with a reduced cash retainer from €8,000 per month. The exact share depends on the company’s stage, the scope of the work and the valuation.
Does Product Rocker take a board seat?
A board or advisory board seat is possible but not a requirement. We decide together whether it helps the company – for example when investors expect product expertise on the board – or whether the work is better done inside the team.
Related
- Prefer a classic engagement? → Fractional CPO
Building something worth sharing the risk for? Tell us about it in a free Discovery Call.