Question 1

How much does it cost to build an AI MVP?

Accepted Answer

An AI MVP with Zero to Ten typically starts with The Discovery Sprint (2-4 weeks) to validate the concept and define scope before any build investment. Full MVP development costs vary widely depending on complexity, but working with a solo fractional CTO like Rick Deacon is significantly more cost-effective than a dev agency.

Question 2

How long does a Discovery Sprint take?

Accepted Answer

The Discovery Sprint runs 2-4 weeks. By the end, you have a Problem Validation report, Solution Architecture, AI Integration Map, Security Foundation recommendations, and a Launch Roadmap.

Question 3

What's the difference between a fractional CTO and a dev shop?

Accepted Answer

A fractional CTO is embedded in your team, setting technical strategy, making architectural decisions, and being accountable for outcomes. A dev shop executes tickets and hands off code.

Question 4

Do you work with non-technical founders?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most clients are non-technical founders who have a clear problem and market insight but need a technical partner to translate that into a product.

Question 5

What industries do you specialize in?

Accepted Answer

Rick Deacon has deep experience in cybersecurity, Web3, fintech, automotive, and B2B SaaS, spanning companies from Y Combinator-backed startups to Fortune 500 security clients.

Question 6

What AI tools and frameworks do you use?

Accepted Answer

The stack depends on the use case. Common tools include OpenAI and Anthropic APIs for LLM integration, LangChain and custom agent frameworks for AI workflows, Supabase for real-time data and auth, and React/Vite for frontend.

Question 7

How is this different from hiring a development agency?

Accepted Answer

Agencies are optimized for throughput across many clients. Zero to Ten is optimized for your outcome. Rick works directly on your product, no project managers, no handoffs, no scope creep.

Question 8

What happens after the Discovery Sprint?

Accepted Answer

After the Discovery Sprint, you have three options: proceed to Build & Launch with Zero to Ten, take the deliverables to a team of your choosing, or use the roadmap to raise funding. No obligation to continue.

Question 9

Do you offer ongoing support after launch?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After launch, ongoing support is available as a retainer covering technical strategy, AI systems maintenance, team hiring and management, and continued product development.

Question 10

Why should I choose a solo builder over a firm?

Accepted Answer

Firms add overhead. With Zero to Ten, you pay for Rick's time and output directly. His background includes co-founding a YC startup (Apozy, W17), building and exiting RADwood to Hagerty, and launching Interlock to 30,000+ weekly users.

Writing

Why MVPs Fail (And How to Build One That Doesn't)

Zero to 650,000 Users: What I Learned Building Interlock

Discovery Sprint vs. Design Sprint: Why Validation Beats Prototyping

How Much Does an MVP Cost in 2026?

When to Hire a Fractional CTO (And When Not To)

What Y-Combinator Actually Taught Me

Finding Product-Market Fit: A Builder's Framework