Consulting

Ship faster with expert engineering guidance

I help startups and teams make the architecture, code, and operating trade-offs that get expensive when they are deferred. The work is direct, practical, and sized for a team that needs leverage now.

First hour freeSee FAQ

8+

years shipping

backend systems since 2018

90%

latency removed

Juspay payout processing

75%+

launch success

AirFi captive portals

Services

What I can help with

These are the areas where I consistently deliver the highest impact.

System Architecture & Design

End-to-end system design for platforms processing millions of transactions. Architecture reviews, database modeling, API design, and scalability planning.

Start with the system

Code Reviews & Quality

Deep-dive code reviews focused on correctness, performance, and maintainability. TypeScript, React, Node.js, Go, Python, and Haskell codebases.

Performance Optimization

Identify and eliminate bottlenecks. Database query optimization, caching strategies, CDN configuration, bundle size reduction, and rendering performance.

Cloud Infrastructure & DevOps

Kubernetes cluster setup, CI/CD pipeline design, Terraform infrastructure-as-code, monitoring & observability stacks, and incident response planning.

Growth & Product Engineering

Build growth loops, referral systems, SEO infrastructure, and product analytics. I've built systems that drove millions in revenue through engineering-led growth.

Technical Strategy & Advisory

Fractional CTO/tech advisor for early-stage startups. Technology selection, team structuring, sprint planning, and helping non-technical founders make informed decisions.

Clear boundaries

What I don't do

I believe in being upfront. Here's what I won't take on, so we both save time.

No SEO agencies

I don't do keyword stuffing, backlink schemes, or content farms.

No simple websites

Not building brochure sites or landing pages. I work on complex, high-impact technical problems.

No overnight miracles

Good architecture takes time. If you need it yesterday, I'm not the right person.

No full-time employment

I'm available as a consultant or advisor, not as a full-time employee.

Who this is for

Is this you?

I work best with people who value quality, move fast, and need someone who's been there before.

Early-stage startups

Founders who need to make the right technical decisions before they become expensive mistakes.

Growing product teams

Teams scaling from MVP to millions of users who need architectural guidance and code quality.

Non-technical founders

Founders who need a trusted technical partner to evaluate their stack, team, and roadmap.

Pricing

Simple, transparent

Fair rates for serious work. No hidden fees.

Short Term

$30/hr

Pay-as-you-go for quick problems, code reviews, or architecture calls.

  • 1 hour free consultation
  • Hourly billing
  • No commitment

Most popular

Discounted

$25/hr

For startups and repeat clients who need ongoing support.

  • 1 hour free consultation
  • Discounted hourly rate
  • Priority support

Enterprise

Let’s discuss

For teams needing deep engagement, retainer, or fractional CTO support.

  • 1 hour free consultation
  • Custom pricing
  • Dedicated support

About me

Who's behind this?

A quick overview of my journey and what qualifies me to advise your team.

Shubham Kumar

Shubham Kumar

Senior Engineer II at Alaan

Senior Engineer II

Past experience

Alaan

Senior Engineer II

Alaan · 2026 – Present

AirFi

Associate Lead Engineer

AirFi · 2025 – 2026

AirFi

Senior Software Engineer

AirFi · 2021 – 2025

Juspay

Software Developer

Juspay · 2018 – 2021

Social proof

Notes from the work

A few words from people who have seen the systems up close.

Selected note

I had the privilege of working with Shubham during our time at AirFi, and I can confidently say he is one of those rare professionals who consistently uplifts the entire team. Whenever support was needed, he was always the first to step in - dependable, proactive, and genuinely invested in team success. What sets him apart is his inquisitive nature and constant drive for new challenges. For him, routine is never enough; he thrives in dynamic environments where he can explore, learn, and contribute beyond expectations. This is evident in his strong and versatile technical skill set, which spans a vast subset. He has a natural ability to quickly grasp new technologies and apply them effectively, often becoming the go-to person for guidance. Beyond his technical acumen, Shubham embodies the qualities of a true team player. He brings enthusiasm, positivity, and humility to every interaction. Whether it’s high-level design work or routine tasks, he never says no and gives his best with the same zeal. His willingness to handle even the so-called 'grunt work' reflects not only his dedication but also his understanding of what it takes to deliver as a team. In addition, he demonstrates strong problem-solving skills, excellent collaboration, and adaptability under pressure. He is dependable, detail-oriented, and has the rare quality of combining technical brilliance with a people-first mindset. Any team would be fortunate to have him - not just as a developer, but as someone who can help build a positive, collaborative, and high-performance culture. I wholeheartedly recommend Shubham and am confident that he will excel in any role or challenge he chooses to take on.
Yash Anand

Director of Technology · Sep 2025

More notes

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions. If you don't see yours here, just ask.

What's your availability like?

I typically respond within 24 hours. For retainer and fractional CTO clients, I guarantee same-day responses during business hours (IST).

Do you sign NDAs?

Yes. I'm happy to sign an NDA before we discuss anything sensitive.

What industries do you work with?

Primarily fintech, Battery Operated Airline IFE systems, SaaS, and developer tools, but I'm open to interesting problems in any space.

Can you work with my existing team?

Absolutely. I integrate with your existing workflows, including Slack, GitHub, Linear, and Notion, and work alongside your engineers.

What's the typical engagement length?

Hourly calls are one-off. Retainers are month-to-month. Fractional CTO engagements typically run 3-6 months.

Start a conversation

Have a hard system problem?

Start with the bottleneck, the trade-off, or the idea you want to pressure-test.

Direct channels

Birthday

Aug 15, 1993

Location

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Open to focused collaborations

Bring the bottleneck.

As a seasoned software engineer, I excel in optimizing intricate systems, transforming payment applications, and elevating user experiences with inventive solutions. Let's collaborate to drive your projects forward.

Send an email