Lead your AI build … without becoming an engineer
For non-technical founders who need to make confident AI and software decisions – without a CTO, without guessing, and without getting burned.
Whether you’re still hunting for a tech co-founder or already working with developers and second-guessing every call – the gap is the same. No one’s given you the framework to lead the build.
New: Join the Lean Tech Direction founding cohort (90‑day program).
10 seats only · Applications close 29 March · 7-day love-it-or-leave-it guarantee
The problem for non-tech founders
AI has raised the stakes for non-tech founders.
After 10+ years across Australia and Japan, I’ve watched non-tech founders:
– Spend 6–12 months hunting a tech co-founder – and still ship nothing
– Give away 20–50% of their company to a co-founder who walks, triggers legal battles, or both
– Refinance their mortgage to fund a $150K+ agency build that needed a full rewrite
– Freeze every time they have to brief, hire, challenge, or push back on a developer
– Over-engineer with AI features nobody asked for – because no one helped them cut scope
And in 2026, the question isn’t just “how do I work with developers?” It’s:
– Is this the right AI approach for my product — or am I over-engineering again?
– Can I trust what my dev, agency, or AI tool is telling me?
– How do I lead an AI build without a CTO?
The problem isn’t that you can’t code. It’s that no one’s given you the tools to lead confidently without one.
the program
‘Lean Tech Direction’ – the 90-day operating system for non-tech founders.
Not a coding course. Not a prototype sprint.
A founder framework for leading AI and software decisions once the real build begins.
Want the full breakdown?
Group coaching + peer calibration | 1:1 option available for higher-stakes builds
How we’re different
This isn’t a coding course. It’s AI leadership for founders.
Most programs help you prototype fast or learn the basics. Few teach the ongoing founder skill of leading tradeoffs, architecture decisions, and developer collaboration once the real build begins.
why trust us?
10+ years. 150+ founders. Two startup ecosystems.
Coached early-stage and funded founders across Australia and Japan, including founders from Startup Weekend, Plus Eight, Core Start, Timee, and ANRI.
I currently work in tech staff augmentation and offshore placement – which means I’ve seen both sides of the dev relationship up close. I know what a well-run build looks like, and I know the exact moments where non-technical founders get taken advantage of.
We also partner with fractional CTOs and CPOs for the program and specialist support when your build needs it.
TESTIMONIALS
What founders say.
about matt
👋 Hi, I’m Matt.
I help non-tech founders lead the build.
I’ve spent 10+ years working hands-on with founders across Australia and Japan – from pre-product all the way to funded scale-ups.
I currently work in tech staff augmentation and offshore placement, which means I’ve seen both sides of the dev relationship. I know what a well-run build looks like – and I know the exact moments where non-technical founders get taken advantage of.
I’ve watched too many founders lose 6-12 months hunting a tech co-founder, hand over 20-50% equity to someone who walks, or refinance their mortgage for an agency build that needed a full rewrite.
I’ve been a business owner, built online communities, and have enough technical fluency to know exactly where the gaps are – without pretending to be an engineer.
My goal isn’t to make you technical. It’s to give you the frameworks, language, and leadership skills to run your build confidently – with or without a CTO.
Frequently asked questions:
FAQs
we’re launching now!
Stop guessing on AI. Start leading the build.
Apply for the next Lean Tech Direction cohort and install the decision framework, guardrails, and shipping rhythm your product needs.
10 spots total. Applications close Sunday, 29th March.
7-day love-it-or-leave-it guarantee.
FREE GUIDE FOR NON-TECHNICAL FOUNDERS
Is your AI or tech build about to go wrong?
Most founders only spot the warning signs in hindsight – after the rewrite, the legal battle, or the six-figure mistake. This guide helps you catch them before they hit.
– Recognise the 5 patterns that precede almost every painful build failure
– Know what to watch for whether you’re hunting a co-founder, working with an agency, or already mid-build
– Written in plain English – no technical background needed
– Includes a ‘what to do instead’ action for each sign
If you recognise 3 or more, the Lean Tech Direction program was built for you.