Independent board-level advisory for deep-tech companies where technical decisions drive strategic outcomes.
We support boards navigating complex, high-stakes decisions where technology, capital, and execution risk are tightly coupled — and where misjudgement can have long-term consequences.
What We Do
BadFish provides independent technical judgement at the board level — operating alongside directors and executives to support decisions that are often difficult to assess from within the organisation.
Our role is not to duplicate management or provide generic advice, but to bring clear, experienced judgement to situations where technical complexity directly impacts capital allocation, risk, and strategy.
Where We Are Typically Engaged
We are typically engaged in situations where boards require independent perspective on technically complex decisions, including:
- Major product, platform, or technology direction decisions
- Transition from R&D to manufacturing and commercial scale
- Assessment of technical risk in capital deployment or strategic shifts
- Preparation for investor scrutiny, capital raises, or M&A activity
- Situations where internal views are misaligned or incomplete
Independent Diligence
BadFish also supports venture and institutional investors with independent technical and execution diligence on deep-tech opportunities. This includes clear-eyed assessment of:
- Technology readiness and feasibility
- Product and manufacturing pathways
- Execution risk and organisational capability
- Alignment between technical claims, execution reality, and commercial outcomes
This work is conducted independently and does not include deal sourcing or capital placement.
Who We Work With
Venture-Backed Companies
Early and growth-stage companies where technical decisions shape capital strategy, investor confidence, and long-term outcomes.
Scaleups
Companies transitioning from development to production, where manufacturing, regulatory, and commercial risk intersect and execution becomes critical.
Investors & Listed Companies
Venture capital and institutional investors seeking independent diligence on technically complex investments, and listed companies requiring technical governance in support of market disclosures, capital decisions, or M&A activity.
How We Work
Board advisory engagements are senior-led and aligned with the realities of board governance — including meeting cadence, strategic planning cycles, and the unscheduled decisions that require immediate, independent technical judgement.
We typically work with boards on an ongoing retainer basis, providing continuity of involvement across key decisions. In some cases, engagements begin with focused, time-bounded work before evolving into longer-term advisory relationships.
We work with a limited number of boards at any time, ensuring direct access and continuity of involvement.
Discuss a board engagement.
If your board is navigating technically complex decisions — and would benefit from independent, experienced judgement — we should talk.
Start a conversation