Equity or cash · early-stage tech

Board & Advisory Services for Early-Stage Technology Companies

Independent board director and advisory board engagement, bringing 20+ years of enterprise IT and go-to-market experience to the table.

CROIA serves as an independent board director and advisory board member for early-stage and growth-stage technology companies. Founder Matthew Cox brings 20+ years of enterprise IT, procurement, and go-to-market experience, including a $200M+ statewide contract, to board and advisory engagements, structured on an equity or cash basis.

The need

Where this service fits

The problem

Early-stage technology companies often build strong products but lack board-level experience in enterprise sales, procurement, and how large and public-sector buyers actually make technology decisions. That gap shows up in go-to-market strategy, pricing, and the ability to close large deals.

How CROIA solves it

CROIA fills that seat. An independent director or advisor who has sat on the enterprise buyer's side of large and public-sector technology deals, guiding go-to-market strategy, enterprise and SLED sales motion, and the governance early-stage boards need, on an equity or cash basis.

What's included

Scope of the engagement

How it works

A senior advisor, engaged the way you need

01

Conversation

A no-cost discussion of the company, its stage, and the board gap.

02

Fit

Confirm the engagement is a fit for both sides.

03

Structure

Define the role and terms on an equity or cash basis.

04

Serve

Ongoing board or advisory contribution.

Proof

Client & colleague voices

“Matt is a rare standout in the sales and delivery profession. He continues to give generously of his ability to manage numerous initiatives in our dynamic environment, with clever and creative solutions. His contributions make a dramatic difference in our bottom line and the productivity levels of the teams within our IT group. Even when the times are tough and the meetings get tense, Matt finds a win for everyone before we close the meetings. Every client would do well to join forces with Matt.”

Donald W. Jacobs, MBA — Retired CIO, Client for 5 Years
Common questions

FAQ

What does CROIA bring to a board?

20+ years of enterprise IT, procurement, and go-to-market experience from the buyer's side of large and public-sector technology deals, including a $200M+ statewide contract, plus governance and oversight.

Is compensation equity or cash?

Either. Board and advisory engagements are structured on an equity or cash basis depending on the company's stage and preference, agreed at the outset.

What stage companies does CROIA advise?

Primarily early-stage and growth-stage technology companies that are building enterprise or public-sector go-to-market motion.

What is the difference between a board director and an advisor?

A board director holds formal governance responsibility and fiduciary duty; an advisor contributes guidance without formal board authority. CROIA serves in either capacity.

Ready to see what's possible?

Whether you're weighing a decision, a project, or a gap in your technology leadership, the first conversation costs nothing.