Daniel Reeves
Tech Business Writer
About Daniel
Daniel has served as a fractional CTO for over a dozen early-stage startups, giving him a front-row view of what software development actually costs, how long it really takes, and where teams consistently go wrong. He writes about technology investment, build vs buy decisions, and how founders can get more from their development budget without sacrificing the quality that determines long-term success.
Background
- Fractional CTO for 12+ startups
- 15 years in software engineering
- Technology advisor
Writes About
Interests & Hobbies
Interests
- Open source software
- Technology economics
- Cycling
Hobbies
- Building mechanical keyboards
- Smoking brisket
Fun Facts
Keeps a live spreadsheet comparing every project estimate he has ever received to the actual delivery date and cost.
Can identify the tech stack of most SaaS products within thirty seconds of using them.
Articles by Daniel
February 28, 2026 ·9 min read
How Long Does It Actually Take to Build an AI Product? Honest Timelines for 2026
Tired of being quoted 12 to 18 months? Here are the honest timelines for building an AI product in 2026, what affects speed, and how to actually ship fast without cutting corners.
February 28, 2026 ·9 min read
How Much Does It Cost to Build an AI Product in 2026? An Honest Breakdown
Agency quotes for AI products range from $30k to $500k. Here's what actually drives the cost, what you should expect to pay, and how to get the most value for your budget.
February 28, 2026 ·11 min read
Should You Outsource Your AI Product Development? The Honest Answer for Business Founders
Thinking about outsourcing your AI product? Here's when outsourcing is the smart move, when it's a mistake, how to structure the engagement, and what the best founders do differently.