Rational Partners

Insights & Research.

Practical perspectives on technology leadership, due diligence, and building engineering organisations that actually deliver

AI Due Diligence: What You Need to Know
Due Diligence1 April 2026

AI Due Diligence: What You Need to Know

How to assess AI claims in technology due diligence — from practitioners with hands-on AI delivery experience and PhD-level expertise.

Technology Due Diligence Checklist: What a Proper Assessment Actually Covers
Due Diligence21 March 2026

Technology Due Diligence Checklist: What a Proper Assessment Actually Covers

The technology due diligence checklist used by experienced operators — structured around the 5P Framework: Product, Platform, Process, Protection, People.

When Should You Hire a Fractional CTO?
Technology Leadership11 March 2026

When Should You Hire a Fractional CTO?

The seven signals that indicate it's time to hire a fractional CTO — and the common mistakes companies make instead. From practitioners, not theorists.

From AI Chaos to Strategic Advantage: How Investors Should Evaluate Portfolio Company Readiness
PE Operators2 March 2026

From AI Chaos to Strategic Advantage: How Investors Should Evaluate Portfolio Company Readiness

Most investors are drowning in AI noise. How to transform vague AI aspirations into concrete, measurable progress across your portfolio.

Fractional CTOs: Unlocking Value in UK Midmarket PE
PE Operators22 February 2026

Fractional CTOs: Unlocking Value in UK Midmarket PE

PE distributions are at their lowest since 2009. How fractional CTOs are driving operational value creation in the UK mid-market.

The AI Diligence Gap Is Real. Here's How to Close It.
PE Operators13 February 2026

The AI Diligence Gap Is Real. Here's How to Close It.

AI diligence sits in an awkward gap between commercial and technical assessment. Here's what investors need to close it.

The Non-Technical CEO's Guide to Managing Technology
Technology Leadership4 February 2026

The Non-Technical CEO's Guide to Managing Technology

You don't need to understand code. You need to understand these 5 things about your technology — a practical guide for non-technical CEOs.

Is Your Tech Team Any Good? 10 Signs That Tell You
Technology Leadership27 January 2026

Is Your Tech Team Any Good? 10 Signs That Tell You

10 signs that reveal whether your tech team is performing — written for non-technical CEOs by CTOs who've assessed 100+ teams.

What can Intercom's £100M bet teach PE Operators?
PE Operators18 January 2026

What can Intercom's £100M bet teach PE Operators?

Intercom's dramatic AI pivot offers a masterclass in strategic transformation — and raises crucial questions about mandate and risk in PE.

What Does a Fractional CTO Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)
Technology Leadership10 January 2026

What Does a Fractional CTO Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)

UK fractional CTO engagement models, what drives cost, and how to evaluate value. From a firm with 20+ active engagements.

Fractional CTO vs Interim CTO vs Full-Time: Which Do You Need?
Technology Leadership1 January 2026

Fractional CTO vs Interim CTO vs Full-Time: Which Do You Need?

The real differences between fractional, interim, and full-time CTOs — with a decision framework from operators who've served in all three roles.

How Mid-Market CEOs Can Deploy AI at Lightning Speed (Without Cutting Corners)
AI & Technology21 December 2025

How Mid-Market CEOs Can Deploy AI at Lightning Speed (Without Cutting Corners)

An interview with Roja Buck, Founding Partner at Rational Partners, on navigating AI adoption without creating compliance nightmares.

Why Your Tech Team Isn't Delivering (From Someone Who Fixes Them)
Technology Leadership9 December 2025

Why Your Tech Team Isn't Delivering (From Someone Who Fixes Them)

The 5 actual reasons tech teams deliver slowly — from operators who've diagnosed and fixed this problem in 100+ companies.

What is a Fractional CTO? The Complete UK Guide
Technology Leadership27 November 2025

What is a Fractional CTO? The Complete UK Guide

What a fractional CTO actually does, what they cost in the UK, and how to know if you need one. From a firm that's placed 20+ fractional CTOs.

You Failed Tech DD. Now What?
Due Diligence2 November 2025

You Failed Tech DD. Now What?

Failed technology due diligence doesn't mean a dead deal. Here's what's fixable, what isn't, and how long remediation takes.

Inside the Real Deals Due Diligence Report 2025: What It Tells Us About Where PE Diligence Is Heading
PE Operators9 October 2025

Inside the Real Deals Due Diligence Report 2025: What It Tells Us About Where PE Diligence Is Heading

What the Real Deals DD Report 2025 reveals about the evolving diligence landscape — and why technology has moved to the centre of it.

Private Credit is Booming. Technology Due Diligence Hasn't Caught Up.
PE Operators26 September 2025

Private Credit is Booming. Technology Due Diligence Hasn't Caught Up.

Private credit funds face a growing tail risk of asset ownership they're not equipped to evaluate. Technology DD is the missing piece.

The Proactivity Playbook
PE Operators14 September 2025

The Proactivity Playbook

Proactive technology audits help sellers avoid mid-process surprises and protect value when acquirers push hard on risk and execution.

Your CTO Just Left — The 30-Day Survival Plan
Technology Leadership2 September 2025

Your CTO Just Left — The 30-Day Survival Plan

Your CTO just resigned. Here's exactly what to do in the next 30 days, from someone who's stepped into this situation 10+ times.

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Technology expertise founded in first-hand experience as Founders, CEOs and CTOs for some of the biggest names in technology, private equity, and venture capital.