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Stage · risk · outcome

Flexible Commercial Models Built Around Stage, Risk & Outcome

Every company is different. DSHG Sonic supports fixed-fee, retainer, cash + equity, and outcome-based engagement models depending on the opportunity.

Fixed Fee

Best for

  • Clear scope
  • Defined product requirements
  • MVP or feature build
  • Known timeline

Cash + Equity

Best for

  • Early-stage founders
  • AI-native startup ideas
  • Strong founder-market fit
  • Long-term studio alignment

Retainer

Best for

  • Fractional CTO
  • Ongoing product leadership
  • Monthly development support
  • Continuous improvement

Outcome-Based

Best for

  • SMB automation
  • Measurable cost reduction
  • Revenue recovery
  • Sales or operations improvement

At a Glance

Model comparison

ModelBest ForRiskTimelineWhat DSHG NeedsWhat Client Gets
Fixed FeeClearly scoped product or AI workLowDefinedClear requirements & scopePredictable delivery & cost
Cash + EquityEarly-stage AI-native startupsSharedLong-termEquity + founder-market fitCo-builder & reduced cash burn
RetainerOngoing technical leadershipLowMonthlyRecurring engagementContinuous CTO-level support
Outcome-BasedSMB automation with clear KPIsHigherMilestoneBaseline data & measurementPay aligned to results

Questions, Answered

Common questions

Let's find the right way to work together

Tell us your stage, scope, and goal — we will propose the model that fits.

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