CTO-level support
for your digital product

Architecture, team selection, vendor management, roadmap, and delivery control — without hiring a full-time CTO

Hi, I'm Max Sharlaev

I've been working in IT for over 20 years.

I started out as a system administrator and web developer, and over time moved into technical leadership — as a team lead, CTO, and head of a development studio.

I've helped launch startups, joined projects in all sorts of conditions, built teams, established processes, and fixed things when they were already falling apart.

Over time, I came to one key insight: technical expertise isn't just about code or tech stacks.

It's about knowing how to build a product without drowning in uncertainty — how to spot weaknesses in architecture, people, or planning before they break something.

That's the kind of expertise I now offer my clients — as a fractional CTO.

Who I work with

Founders

No CTO on board? I’ll help you shape the architecture, define priorities, and avoid technical blind spots early on.

Startups

Launching fast doesn’t mean launching messy. I help you move from idea to MVP with just enough structure and sanity.

Teams

You’ve got developers but no direction. I bring clarity, roadmap, and a rhythm that delivers.

Outsourced projects

I’ll help you set clear specs, manage quality, and keep delivery predictable, transparent, and under your control.

Product Owners

You drive the vision — I’ll turn it into a system. From feature ideas to working infrastructure, I’ll translate as we go.

Scaling Companies

Your product grew — and now it’s brittle. I’ll audit, stabilize, and help you scale with confidence and control.

Ready to move on?

How I can help

Project Architecture

From stack choice to deployment strategy — I design systems that fit your scale and goals.

Cost Estimation

I break down infrastructure, team, and tooling costs, so you know what you're getting into.

Team Selection

Need devs or designers? I’ll help you choose people who build, not break.

Vendor Control

Outsourcing doesn’t mean losing control — I keep external teams aligned and accountable.

Reviews & Audits

Code, systems, process — I dig in and give you a clear picture of what’s working (and what’s not).

Rescue Mode

Broken releases? Slipping timelines? I step in, stabilize, and get you back on track.

Need one of these?

Still exploring?

How I work

Calm, clean and on your side

My goal is to give your project structure, stability, and a technical partner you can rely on. I don’t start with strategy decks or hour-long pitches. I start with listening.

Whether we end up working together or not, I'm here to help good products get built without unnecessary pain.