Matthew Thompson
Software Architect, Craftsman, and Mentor
Senior technical leadership for startups and growing teams.
Matthew Thompson
Software Architect, Craftsman, and Mentor
Senior technical leadership for startups and growing teams. Strategy, architecture, and execution without the full-time hire.
I'm a builder and creator at heart.
For over 15 years, I've been immersed in software consulting, working across industries including IP Advertising, Healthcare, Telecom, Stripe, and E-Commerce. I've helped companies understand and solve complex problems, and led engineering teams of up to 35+ to get there. My focus is on identifying the right problems and fostering team growth. Recognizing that no one should navigate this field alone, I share my experiences and lessons learned to build momentum and mentor others.
Beyond software, my passion extends into the physical realm of fine woodworking, metalworking, and tool restoration. This pursuit is more than a hobby; it's a commitment to preserving and honing a craft passed down through generations prior. Similar to my approach with software development, I aim to mentor others in resourcefulness and cultivating their own craft (whatever that may be). By curating books, articles, and resources, I share the lessons gathered along the way and stay inspired to pass on a legacy of learning to those interested.
Who knows? Maybe one day, I'll bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. (AI and Robotics, anyone?) Follow along for all the twists and turns I take practicing one's craft.
Fractional CTO
Executive-level technical leadership without the full-time price tag. I partner with founders and leadership teams to set technical direction, make the calls that are expensive to get wrong, and build an engineering org that can execute without me in the room.
No technical co-founder
You have the vision and the funding, but nobody owning the tech. I'll set the foundation, pick the stack, and hire the first engineers so you aren't rewriting it in a year.
Outgrowing what you built
The product found traction and the cracks are showing. Slower releases, rising incidents, a team that's grown faster than its process. I'll find the bottlenecks and fix the system, not just the symptoms.
Between technical leaders
Your CTO or VP of Engineering just left, or you aren't ready to make that hire. I'll keep the team shipping and steady, then help you find and onboard the right long-term leader.
Get Expertise
Not ready for an ongoing engagement? Bring me in for a focused problem. Same depth, tighter scope.
Architecture Review
A second opinion on your system design before it becomes a production problem. You get a written assessment and a clear, prioritized roadmap.
- Scalability, reliability, and data model review
- Security and compliance risk assessment
- Tech debt triage: what to fix now vs. live with
- Technical due diligence for investors and acquisitions
Payment Systems
Stripe CertifiedI've redesigned payment systems serving millions nationwide. Your CFO and your engineers will both be happy.
- Stripe Connect marketplaces and multi-party fund flows
- Subscription billing, invoicing, and revenue recognition
- Stripe Terminal and in-person payments
- Migrations, reconciliation, and webhook reliability
Healthcare Platforms
HIPAA-compliant systems that connect every part of the care experience. Your compliance team will actually sleep at night.
- Telehealth and patient portals
- Provider matching and scheduling
- EHR and third-party clinical integrations
- Audit trails, access controls, and PHI handling
Zero to Launch
From idea to production. I'll architect the right foundation, make the tech decisions that matter, and get a real product in front of users.
- Discovery, scoping, and MVP definition
- Stack selection and infrastructure setup
- Hands-on build alongside your first hires
- A codebase that scales without a rewrite
Team Augmentation
Senior firepower for a critical push. I embed with your team, ship, and leave it stronger than I found it.
- Lead or unblock high-stakes initiatives
- Pairing and code review that levels up the team
- Establish patterns, testing, and CI/CD practices
- Documented, clean handoff when we're done
Leadership & Mentorship
1:1 coaching for engineers and new engineering leaders. I've led teams of 35+ engineers and helped dozens make the jump to senior and beyond.
- Coaching for new tech leads, managers, and CTOs
- Career guidance for senior and staff engineers
- Code reviews and technical deep-dives
- Running effective 1:1s, hiring loops, and planning
Ready to talk?
Tell me where your team is and where it needs to go. No sales pitch, just a conversation about what you need and whether I'm the right fit.
Let's connect
Not ready for a project conversation? That's fine too. I'm always looking to network with founders, engineering leaders, and builders. Send me a connection request and say hello.