Available for new projects

I unblock and ship to production stuck software projects.

Fractional CTO for startups and SMBs. I turn stuck ideas or systems into working, scalable products.

30 minutes · No commitment · Reply within 24 hours

Let's work together if

Any of this sounds like you?

  • You've already invested time or money, but the product still isn't ready.
  • Your developer isn't delivering — and you don't know how to take back control.
  • You're not sure if the code is sound or whether it will scale.
  • You have an idea you can't get off the ground. You don't know where to start.
  • The product works, but it isn't growing. There's no one making technical decisions.
What I do

I don't just write code. I make technical decisions.

Architecture and stack decisions

I pick the right technologies for your stage. No over-engineering, no resume-driven choices.

Audit and rescue existing projects

I dive into inherited codebases, figure out what works and what doesn't, and tell you exactly how to move forward.

Lead developers

If you have a team or freelancers, I take the technical helm. You don't need to translate anything.

Ship MVPs fast

In 2-4 weeks you have a working version in production, ready for real users.

Make systems stable and scalable

When the product grows, the infrastructure shouldn't slow you down. We plan ahead, not after.

Hire and vet developers

Technical vetting of candidates, freelancers and vendors. Avoid hiring the wrong person and losing months of work and thousands of euros.

How I can help

Audit, rescue or ongoing support.

Clear scope, defined timelines. We align on the financial details in the call, based on your specific case.

To get started

Technical audit

I analyze your project and tell you, in writing, what isn't working and how to fix it.

one-off · 2-3 days
  • Full code review
  • Architecture and infrastructure diagnosis
  • Written report with intervention priorities
  • Final alignment call
I want an audit
Most popular

Project rescue

I step in directly. Fix, complete, ship what's stuck. Concrete results in a few weeks.

defined scope · 2-4 weeks
  • Direct development in autonomy
  • Coordination with your team if any
  • MVP or critical feature live in production
  • Documentation and final handover
Let's unblock it
To grow well

Fractional CTO

Ongoing support. I'm your technical reference for the decisions that matter. Monthly, flexible, focused.

monthly retainer · quarterly contract
  • Technical and architectural decisions
  • Coordination of internal or external developers
  • Technical roadmap aligned to business
  • Direct Slack + weekly call
Let's talk

Looking for something different? Reach out and we'll find the right format.

How it works

Four steps. No surprises.

01

You book a call

30 free minutes. Tell me about your project and what's stuck.

02

I analyze your case

I figure out where you are, what you really need and what you don't. No fluff.

03

I propose a clear plan

What I do, in how much time, at what price. All written down.

04

If it makes sense, we start

We work together. Constant updates. Results visible from the first week.

Got a stuck project or one to build?

Book a free 30-minute call — or drop me a line on WhatsApp or email. I reply within 24 hours.

30 minutes · Slots available this week · Italy & remote

Selected projects

Things I shipped to production recently.

Screenshot Psicologo Espresso
Logo Psicologo Espresso

Psicologo Espresso

Problem

An Italian network of psychologists wanted a personalized matching system between patient and therapist — not a generic marketplace.

Result

Platform with intake questionnaire, founder-curated matching, free first consultation and session management. 20,000+ completed sessions, 98% patient satisfaction.

Visit site
Screenshot LifeVault
Logo LifeVault

LifeVault

Problem

Turn scattered documents (contracts, deadlines, policies) into an active system for personal admin life.

Result

Production-ready zero-knowledge architecture. Decoupled frontend and backend, automated deploy, scalable from day one.

Visit site
Screenshot Preventivo Traslochi 24
Logo Preventivo Traslochi 24

Preventivo Traslochi 24

Problem

A moving company wanted to leave aggregator portals and generate direct leads.

Result

Platform online in 4 weeks. Direct leads without intermediaries. Serverless infrastructure under €20/month.

Visit site
Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions I get the most.

What does it cost to work with you?

It depends on the type of work and scope. Technical audit, project rescue and fractional CTO have different sizes and timelines: I'll walk you through them in the call. What's certain is that the price is clear before we start — no infinite quotes, no surprises along the way.

How quickly will I see real results?

For the audit: written report in 2-3 days. For project rescue: first changes live in 1-2 weeks, completion in 2-4 weeks. For fractional CTO: by the first week we already have a written technical roadmap and the first decisions made.

Do you only work remote or also in person?

I mostly work remote from Italy. For projects where it makes sense (kick-off, strategic workshops, on-site audits) I'm available to come in — Veneto, Lombardia and Emilia easily covered, other regions with travel expenses.

What happens if after the audit we decide not to continue?

Nothing. The report is yours and contains everything another developer or team needs to act on. The initial 30-minute call is free, and the audit has a fixed price agreed up front: zero ambiguity.

Do you only work with startups or also with SMBs?

Both. I work with founders validating an idea, but also with SMBs that have stuck internal software, a halted project, or a developer who isn't delivering. I bring value in both cases.

Can I have a fractional CTO while I already have internal developers?

Yes, it's one of the most common use cases. If you have internal or freelance devs but no one making technical decisions and coordinating, that's the role I play. I don't replace the team: I lead it. Direct Slack and weekly call.

What stacks are you specialized in?

I mostly work with Next.js, TypeScript, Node.js, Python, FastAPI, PostgreSQL, AWS and Vercel. But fractional CTO isn't about the stack: it's about picking the right one for your stage and executing. I also work with existing codebases on other stacks.

How does invoicing work?

Italian invoice with VAT. Audit and project rescue: 50% upfront, 50% on delivery. Fractional CTO: monthly invoice with renewable quarterly contract. Payment by bank transfer.

About me
Marco Salatin

Marco Salatin.

Fractional CTO · Software project unblocker

I've been building software for over ten years. The last five I've focused on one thing: taking stuck projects or founders' ideas and shipping them live — fast, well, without the overhead of an agency.

I work with a limited number of projects at a time, to guarantee quality and attention. I'm not an agency that hands you off to a junior collaborator after the contract: it's me, directly, from start to finish.

I also collaborate with internal teams and structured corporate contexts, as a technical consultant or project lead.