​
​
Welcome to The Fractional Founder, where your business's success is our mission. With a wealth of experience in driving startup growth, we offer tailored strategies to transform your vision into reality. From idea validation to MVP, raising funds, sales and distribution strategies, we can help get your startup where it needs to be quicker, better, and more cost effectively.
​
By partnering, you can focus on what you do best, while we work to fill the gaps, and amplify your success.
​
Schedule a free consultation today!
​
Experienced Operator.
Trusted Advisor.
Founder Coach.
​
Does any of this sound familiar?
You have serious growth ambitions for your company.
​
You're making progress, but it feels like there there are things that never make it off your punch list.
The problem is, you're trying to do everything! Fires always come up, your team needs support, or meetings and calls only you can take constantly interrupt your flow state. You know what needs to be done, there just aren't enough hours in the day.
You've tried outsourcing but the results have been mixed. Hiring outside is a guessing game and finding the right people is time intensive and difficult.
Maybe you have someone on your team that you can delegate certain things to. They're doing a great job but you could use a little strategic support and outside perspective.
Or maybe you aren't quite ready to take on another full-time hire. You need someone to get things done and help you grow, until you're ready expand your team with specialists.
I can help. I've helped many other founders, that feel just like you do now... and the truth is, I've walked in your shoes.
Let me introduce myself first. My name is Dan and I'm a fractional founder and startup advisor.
I work with companies who are serious about their growth, but either aren’t ready to expand their team or wish to bring in additional outside expertise to assist with their goals.
If you're tired of having things fall through the cracks, and are ready to expand your business with support you can trust, you're in the right place.
We specialize in providing world-class support to the best founders.
The Fractional Founder team has a breadth of knowledge across diverse industries making us a valuable partner for any early-stage startup. We're more than just consultants - we think like a co-founder. From the onset, we work with you in order to offer tailored solutions and strategic guidance in order to drive growth, enhance profitability, and achieve long-term success.
Dan Willoughby, our founder, has a rich history in operating, advising, and investing in startups. Along the way he has founded businesses, navigated the complexities of fundraising, and led successful exits. However, the challenges and bumps along the way are what Dan celebrates most. Through perseverance and creative thinking, Dan has developed the ability to quickly identify and solve problems the founders he works with face on a daily basis.
​
Dan has founded and operated multiple start-ups, was Director of Techstars Chicago, and has been an active startup investor and advisor. He has also worked with IDEO and Vectorform, two world-world class innovation consultancies. He received his MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, where he also has helped teach entrepreneurship at both the undergraduate, and graduate level.
Ways we can work together
At The Fractional Founder, we understand that achieving success requires a partnership built on trust and collaboration. We offer bespoke solutions tailored to your specific business needs. Let's work together to achieve your business goals and take your company to the next level.
Fundraising Strategy
Navigating the world of fundraising can be overwhelming. Having run Techstars Chicago for 3 years, Dan has helped companies raise millions of dollars. Whether you need help crafting compelling pitches, identifing the right investors, or closing capital quickly, togther we can set your business up for success.
Financial Modeling
Numbers speak, and we make sure they sing your tune. Our financial modeling services provide you with clear, actionable insights that drive decision-making. Whether you need a model for your internal team or communicating with investors, we can create customized models that align with your goals, ensuring you're making the best possible decisions with your capital.
Founder Coaching
Leadership makes or breaks a startup. Our executive coaching services are designed to empower you and your co-founders to establish effective communication, clear culture creation, and optimal team performance. Having deep experience mentoring and coaching founders, and being one himself, Dan can help work through challenges you might be wrestling with.
Branding and Packaging
Your brand is your story, and the first touch point with consumers, so nailing it is key to success. Together we can create unforgettable branding and packaging designs that resonate with your audience. From logo design to product packaging, we ensure that your visual identity reflects your values and appeals to your customers.
Go-To-Market Strategy
Launching a product requires more than just a great idea. Our Go-To-Market Strategy service is tailored to your unique needs, helping you identify target markets, build strong positioning, and design effective launch plans. Hit the ground running with a strategy that works.
Operational Efficiency
Efficiency is key in a competitive market. Understanding your operations and where we can drive efficiencies will help you streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve supplier relationships. By working with us, you can ensure that your products are delivered on time and without a hitch, leaving you free to focus on growth.
In addition to the above, we would love to support you with:
​
-
Developing an AI Strategy and Implementation Plan
-
Negotiation Strategy
-
Ideation, Prototyping, Competitive Analysis
-
Customer interviewing to understand pain points / opportunities, define target segments and refine product roadmap
-
Vendor Sourcing
-
Fulfillment and operations set-up and optimization
