Simon Black
Founder & Fractional CTO at Without Folding Technology Services
Based in United Kingdom · 30+ years experience
Summary
Fractional CTO for Startups & SMEs | Strategy, Architecture, Delivery, Security
About
With a career of over 30 years, spanning a multitude of industries, working in both large multi-national corporations and small start-up environments, I have worked on both large enterprise applications deployed within hybrid cloud environments down to highly constrained embedded applications within 4k of memory.
I have become competent with a large set of technologies; hence, very adaptable and keen to take on new challenges using a pragmatic approach to pick the best tool for the job at hand.
Throughout the last 20+ years I have been either a technical team leader, managing small teams whilst still getting my hands dirty or a technical architect/authority creating good clear visions and strategies, following through personally or directing others to do so. With a 50%-50% split between management and technical roles I can happily perform well within both.
I am highly adaptable and can apply previous knowledge in a way in which learning new unknown techniques and technologies are second nature. I have worked with many cutting-edge technologies and apply them as solutions, where feasible.
As a key leader within software development, I am now providing long term development strategies and growing empowering teams and individuals to execute upon them.
Skills
Software Architecture, Cloud & Infrastructure, Platform Modernisation, Engineering Leadership, DevOps, Governance & Risk
Regions covered
Industry experience
Not-for-profit, Government, Fintech, Professional Services, SaaS, Education, Healthcare
At a glance
Simon brings hands-on experience across Software Architecture, Cloud & Infrastructure, Platform Modernisation, Engineering Leadership, DevOps, Governance & Risk. Available for engagements across United Kingdom, United States, Europe, Ireland. Industry experience includes Not-for-profit, Government, Fintech, Professional Services, SaaS and 2 more.
How fractional CTO engagements with Simon work
Simon works on a fractional basis — typically one to three days a week for an agreed engagement length — so you get senior technical leadership without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire. Engagements commonly include technical due diligence, board reporting, engineering team leadership, technology strategy, architecture reviews, hiring support, and stepping in as interim CTO during a transition.