Fractional CPO for Fintech Startups

I embed with early and growth-stage fintech companies to shape strategy, build high-performance product and design orgs, and accelerate growth without the cost of a full-time CPO.

Why it Works

I’m a product builder with 25+ years of experience in digital product management, execution and operations. Over the past decade, I served as Chief Product Officer at transformative fintech companies, including Acorns – $1.9B; Varo Bank – $1.5B; and Moneybox – $550M.

How I Help

Product-Market Fit & Strategy
Roadmap resets, GTM clarity, traction metrics

Org Design & Talent
Structure product/design teams; coach senior hires

Execution Systems
OKRs, rituals, feedback loops that boost speed and alignment

Board & Investor Communication
Milestones, storytelling, and capital-ready narratives

Clients I Partner With

  1. Founder-led fintech startups (Seed to Series C)

  2. Teams building in regulated or high-trust environments (e.g., banking, payments)

  3. VC/PE-backed teams needing product judgment at pace with funding goals

  4. VC/PE firms assessing product efficacy for new investments and supporting existing portfolio companies

Demonstrated Leadership

 

Noah Kerner, CEO, Acorns

“…In short, he's one of a kind. And in the end, he always develops great product. I couldn't recommend someone more highly…”

Behzad Behrouzi, SVP Product, GoodLeap

“…I’m very grateful for the relationship we formed, his guidance, and leadership. Any Product person/team would be lucky to work with him.”

P.J. Onori, Design Manager, Pinterest

“Smith is simply the best manager I have ever worked for on both personal and professional levels…”

 

I’m a proud member of the Effective Altruism Community and donate 10% of fees to the most effective charities under the guidance of Giving What We Can and Give Well. I encourage you to help in any way you can, as well.

- Smith