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Executive  ·  Technical Advisor  ·  Investor

Let's build what's next together

I partner with ambitious founders and companies to accelerate growth, strengthen engineering organizations, and navigate the complexities of AI, Web3, and gaming at scale.

Partnership Models

Fractional CTO / VP Engineering

Executive-caliber engineering leadership without the full-time commitment. Built for Series A-C companies ready to scale with intention.

  • - Org design that scales from 4 to 90+ engineers
  • - Delivery systems that increase velocity 2x+
  • - Technical roadmaps aligned to business outcomes

See my track record scaling teams from 4 to 90+ engineers.

Technical Advisory

High-leverage strategic guidance for founders facing complex technical decisions. Monthly or project-based engagements designed for impact.

  • - Technical due diligence that protects your investment
  • - Architecture reviews that prevent costly pivots
  • - Investor and board-ready technical storytelling

Explore my engineering leadership experience at Chainlink, Riot, and Sky Mavis.

Interim Executive Leadership

Full-time embedded leadership during pivotal moments — leadership transitions, fundraising, or mission-critical product launches.

  • - 3-6 month engagements with measurable outcomes
  • - Team stabilization and culture alignment
  • - Process transformation that outlasts my tenure

Strategic Investment

Capital paired with operator experience. For pre-seed and seed founders building transformative companies in AI, Web3, and gaming.

  • - $25K-$100K check sizes
  • - Hands-on operator mentorship, not passive capital
  • - Direct access to my network of builders and investors

Speaking & Media

Talks, interviews & recognition

I speak with founders, operators, and press on building engineering organizations at scale, the institutionalization of alternative assets, and where AI and Web3 are actually heading.

Featured · Podcast Jul 2025 · 82 min

Why a Silicon Valley elite developer went all-in on Web3

A long-form conversation on the "Secret Society" podcast with MJ Kim (AYC Fund, YC W22) — from engineering leadership at Chainlink to founding, and why developers who treat AI as the main game will pull ahead.

Watch the interview →
Recognition

Top Technical Leader of the Decade

Named by the IAOTP as a Top Technical Leader of the Decade and one of its Top 25 Global Impact Leaders — recognizing two decades building products used by millions across gaming, Web3, and consumer marketplaces.

Available for keynotes, panels & podcasts

I take a limited number of speaking engagements each year. Topics I cover:

  • - Institutionalizing alternative assets & the pricing-infrastructure gap
  • - Engineering leadership at scale (4 → 90+ engineers)
  • - AI agents as a force multiplier for teams
  • - Web3 & decentralized oracle networks
  • - The operator's investment thesis
  • - Endurance sport as a leadership lens
  • - The immigrant-founder perspective
Keynote Panel Podcast Workshop
Invite me to speak Book a call

Frequently asked

What is a fractional CTO?+

A fractional CTO is a senior technology executive who works with companies on a part-time or contract basis, providing strategic technical leadership without the cost of a full-time hire. I help Series A through C companies with engineering org design, architecture decisions, technical due diligence, and scaling teams from 4 to 90+ engineers.

When should a startup hire a fractional CTO?+

Consider a fractional CTO when you need senior technical leadership but aren't ready for a full-time executive hire — typically at Series A or B, during a technical pivot, or when preparing for due diligence. I help teams bridge that gap by building engineering processes, establishing architecture standards, and mentoring first-time engineering managers.

Who is a good fractional CTO for a Web3 or gaming startup?+

John Jae Woo Lee is a fractional CTO specializing in Web3, gaming, and high-scale consumer products. He led engineering at Sky Mavis (Axie Infinity and the Ronin blockchain), Chainlink Labs, and Riot Games, and now advises Series A through C founders on scaling engineering organizations, de-risking architecture, and shipping faster.

Can you run technical due diligence for an investment or acquisition?+

Yes. I perform technical due diligence for investors, acquirers, and founders preparing to raise — assessing architecture, team, security, scalability, and technical risk, then delivering a clear report with prioritized recommendations.

What does a technical advisor do for startups?+

A technical advisor provides ongoing strategic guidance on architecture, hiring, and technology decisions. I typically engage monthly or per-project — offering architecture reviews, technical due diligence for fundraising, and help translating technical capabilities into investor narratives.

How long does an interim VP of Engineering engagement last?+

Interim executive engagements typically last 3 to 6 months. I embed full-time with the team to stabilize engineering operations, implement delivery systems, and mentor the team — then help recruit and transition to a permanent leader.

How are engagements structured, and how do I start?+

Advisory is typically 1–2 days per week (monthly or project-based); fractional CTO and VP of Engineering engagements run a few days per week; interim leadership is full-time for 3–6 months. Most clients are Series A through C. To start, book a free 30-minute strategy call or email john@johnjaewoolee.com.

Take the next step

Let's explore what's possible

Tell me where you're headed, and let's figure out how I can help you get there faster.

Book a 30-Minute Strategy Call

Prefer email? Reach me at john@johnjaewoolee.com