Fractional CFO - Deep-Tech IP Platform
COMPANY DESCRIPTION SkySpigot Corporation is a deep-tech IP licensing platform based in Durango, Colorado. We hold ten active provisional patents across four technology families: thermal management for GPU and data center cooling, thermal energy storage, mechanical vapor recompression, and atmospheric water generation (AWG). Our primary business model is IP licensing - licensees integrate our technology into their products and pay us royalties. The AWG vertical is the exception: we intend to build and operate this product line directly. The company operates on a capital-efficient centaur model: a single founder working with AI as primary execution partner. We are TRL-3, pre-raise, pre-prototype. Capital strategy is three-track: NSF SBIR, strategic investor/JDA, and Reg D 506(c) direct to accredited investors. SkySpigot is an S-Corporation and intends to remain one. We prioritize non-dilutive capital, preserve founder control, and structure deals to protect pass-through taxation. ROLE DESCRIPTION Fractional CFO to lead financial strategy through the next twelve to eighteen months. Four core functions: Prepare the company for institutional capital. Build investor-ready financial models, data room, and diligence materials across Reg D and strategic tracks. Architect the non-dilutive capital stack. Lead SBIR financial structure (indirect rate framework, FAR/DCAA compliance, Phase II voucher pathway) and grant accounting. Serve as point person for investor and compliance conversations. Present to accredited investors, strategic partners, and federal program officers. Own financial communications end to end. Stand up the bookkeeping and reporting infrastructure appropriate to an S-Corp deep-tech platform company preparing to transact. The infrastructure must support two parallel models: IP licensing revenue recognition across the thermal portfolio, and direct product operations for the AWG line. Engagement is fractional. Expected commitment: 25-35 hours per month during ramp, 12-18 hours per month at steady state. Monthly retainer, no success fees, no equity. Remote with possible occasional travel. QUALIFICATIONS Required
- Ten or more years of CFO or senior finance leadership experience
- Demonstrated capital raise experience across multiple instruments (VC, Reg D, debt, non-dilutive)
- SBIR, STTR, or federal grant experience including FAR/DCAA compliance and indirect rate architecture
- Hardware, deep-tech, semiconductor, aerospace, defense, or IP-licensing sector experience
- S-Corporation fluency; comfortable preserving pass-through structure through a capital raise
- Strategic orientation at board and investor level, not bookkeeper-level
Preferred:
- CPA, CFA, or equivalent credential
- Prior experience with hybrid business models combining IP licensing (royalty revenue recognition under ASC 606) and direct product operations
- Prior exit or IPO experience
- Defense prime, national lab, or federal program office adjacency
- Colorado presence or Mountain time zone availability
Not a fit:
- SaaS-only operating DNA
- CPG, ecommerce, or DTC primary focus
- Success-fee or equity-based compensation requirements
- Interest in reflexive C-Corp conversion
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS To apply, send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Cover letter should address
- Two or three specific engagements from your past work that are most relevant to this role, and what the outcome was.
- Your perspective on the non-dilutive capital stack for a pre-raise, TRL-3 deep-tech platform company. What would you prioritize in the first ninety days?
- Your proposed engagement structure and monthly retainer range.
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