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About
When the path forward is uncertain, C Squared E Advisory helps B2B software, SaaS, and technology-enabled services leaders see the full business context, test important assumptions, and determine what to do next. Chad Eckes brings three decades of experience across strategy, product, go-to-market leadership, corporate finance, and M&A—combining market evidence with practical judgment to help you move forward with greater confidence.
Software companies frequently build products, expand capabilities, or pursue acquisitions without fully validating demand, economics, or their competitive edge. When these assumptions fail, the results are wasted investment, lost time, and missed opportunities.
Chad founded C Squared E Advisory in 2008 to help leaders make better choices before investing major resources—and to act effectively once a path is defined. The firm brings independent market evidence, financial analysis, and an objective perspective to test assumptions, minimize internal bias, and target investments wisely.
This work carries directly into execution. C Squared E helps clients translate market intelligence into focused product and go-to-market decisions, realistic launch plans, and disciplined investment sequencing. The goal is to help organizations launch initiatives with greater alignment, focus, and strategic confidence.
Test assumptions with evidence
Understand the market, customers, competitors, economics, and internal realities.
Choose the path. Decide where to invest, what to change, and which opportunities are worth pursuing.
Carry it forward. Translate the decision into focused product, positioning, pricing, launch, sales, and go-to-market action.
The aim
“The goal is not to slow the decision down. It is to improve the aim—and then help carry the right decision forward.”
Chad Eckes is the Founder and Principal of C Squared E Advisory, where he works with executive teams making consequential decisions about growth, investment, and competitive advantage. He advises B2B software, SaaS, and technology-enabled services companies on market opportunities, product and go-to-market strategy, acquisitions, and the organizational changes required to succeed as AI reshapes products, markets, and ways of working.
Since founding C Squared E Advisory in 2008, Chad has led more than 100 engagements for over 50 clients, ranging from early-stage ventures to private-equity-backed businesses and publicly traded companies. His work helps leaders combine independent market evidence, financial analysis, and disciplined strategic thinking—then translate those insights into practical choices and action.
Earlier in his career, Chad held leadership roles at Accenture and 3M, where he focused on technology strategy, product development, and commercialization. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management, and is certified by Pragmatic Institute™ in product and go-to-market strategy.
At a glance
Since 2008 — Founder and Principal, C Squared E Advisory
100+ engagements — Led for more than 50 technology clients
Earlier leadership experience — Accenture and 3M
Education — Northwestern University and MIT Sloan School of Management
Professional certification — Pragmatic Institute™
Each engagement begins by defining the decision, the scope of the work, and the specific outputs the client needs. Chad then works with leadership and functional teams to identify the most important questions, test the assumptions carrying the greatest risk, and develop the evidence and analysis required.
The work combines close collaboration with an independent outside perspective. Findings are translated into clear recommendations, practical plans, and tangible tools, with continued support when the client needs help carrying the decision into execution.
Clarify the choice in front of the business, the questions that must be answered, and the deliverables needed to support action.
Combine internal knowledge with objective market evidence while testing assumptions and reducing the influence of organizational bias.
Turn findings into practical priorities, plans, and tools—and carry the work forward when execution support is needed.
When the stakes are high, an independent view can help you challenge assumptions, clarify the choices, and move forward with greater confidence. Start with a conversation about the decision your business needs to make.
