Automation · Integration · AI · Development
Know what it will return before you build it.
A technical partner for founders and SME owners who don't have a CTO.
Describe any task that eats your team's time. In three minutes you'll see what kind of fix it needs, what it could return, and whether you're ready to build it.
Takes about 3 minutes. No sales call required.
Free business case builder
Put a number on it
before you spend a dollar.
Works for any task: onboarding, quoting, reporting, chasing invoices, answering the same questions. Answer six quick questions and the builder works out what kind of fix it needs, what it could save, and whether you're ready to build.
Prefer a spreadsheet? Download the business case builder
What we build
From one annoying task to the system behind your business.
Automation
Repetitive admin, follow-ups, reporting and data entry handled without someone copying and pasting.
Integration
Your CRM, accounting, forms and Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace talking to each other, with one source of truth.
AI implementation
Copilot, ChatGPT or Claude set up properly: the right data access, a usage policy, staff training and workflows people actually use.
Development
Custom tools, portals and MVPs when off-the-shelf won't do. Scoped from the roadmap, so nothing gets built on a hunch.
How it works
Prove it, plan it, build it, keep it running.
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01 · Free, 3 minutes
Business case
Describe the task. See the fix it needs, the hours and savings, the indicative investment and payback.
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02 · Free, goes deeper
Roadmap and audit
We look at your real tools and workflow: actual cost savings, the investment required, what to buy versus build, and the order to do it in.
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03 · Fixed scope
Build
Delivered in weeks, with documentation, governance and training so your team can own it.
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04 · Ongoing
Fractional CTO or CPO
When you need senior technical or product leadership on an ongoing basis, we match you with a fractional CTO or CPO from our partner network.
Why The Lean CPTO
The technical partner you'd hire if you could afford a CTO.
On your side of the table
We don't resell software or take vendor commissions. If an off-the-shelf tool does the job, we'll tell you and skip the build.
Governance built in
Every AI build comes with a usage policy, an AI register and privacy notes, including the Privacy Act automated decision-making disclosures that apply from 10 December 2026.
Australia and Japan
Bilingual delivery for Japanese companies operating in Australia and Australian founders building into Japan.
"As a founder without a strong technical background, I knew we needed to introduce advanced IT and AI solutions into our company, but I often felt uncertain about where to start. He guided me from the very beginning."
"It also helps me recognise when I am falling into common founder traps or patterns, and redirects or pauses me before I go too far in the wrong direction."
Pricing
Clear prices. No open-ended hourly bills.
Roadmap and audit
Real cost savings, the investment required, buy-versus-build calls and the order to build in. Yours to keep, whoever builds it.
Builds
Fixed scope and fixed price for automations, integrations, AI rollouts and custom development.
Fractional CTO / CPO
Senior technical and product leaders available through our partner network, matched to your stage, sector and budget. Part-time, so you get the experience without a full-time salary.
Not sure it's worth building? Find out in 3 minutes.
Free business case now, free roadmap and audit if you want to go deeper.