Most companies in their earliest years don’t need a full-time Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Instead, they need clarity, direction and someone who’s successfully done this before.

I work with founders, product leaders and executive teams to:

• Turn AI ideas into working products and solutions — not just prototypes

• Make smart technology decisions early (and avoid expensive mistakes later)

• Design systems that scale as your business grows

• Evaluate tools, vendors and platforms objectively

• Lead or support development and engineering teams to actually deliver what you need…and when you need it in the development and product lifecycle

Over the years, I’ve successfully partnered with:

• Founders who have a product idea but need technical expertise and leadership.

• Companies exploring AI/ML but unsure where to start.

• Teams stuck with underperforming tech or slow delivery.

• Organizations that need senior technical guidance without a full-time hire.

• Agencies, software or product teams that need experience overnight.

AI Product Development

• Helped design and build dozens of AI-driven systems that moved from concept to production, enabling real-world automation and decision-making.

Scalable Platform Architecture

• Designed fully bespoke commission forecast and reporting tools for Fortune 500 companies, created innovative AI-driven consultant and recruitment tools, and developed AI-enabled shipping and logistic tools for the shipping & transportation industry.

Product and Technology Strategy

• Worked with founders and teams to define product roadmaps, prioritize features and align products with specific, measurable business goals.

Patents and Awards

• Co-Inventor: US Patent -A1 Stress Reduction and Sleep Promotion System

• Michael’s work has been recognized with numerous industry honors, including Time Magazine’s Best Inventions, CES Innovation Awards, Webby Awards, and an Emmy, reflecting both technical excellence and creative impact.

Select work

• Fractional CTO (ongoing leadership)

• Project-based advisory services

• AI strategy & implementation

• Product strategy & implementation

• Technical due diligence

Engagement options

Michael Chatten

Founder and CTO

Bio

Technology companies (AI/ML, software, apps, etc.)

Product organizations

Advertising and Creative Agencies

Shipping and Logistics

Interactive displays and theme parks

Recruiting and HR tools

Retail services

Food industry

Portfolio includes