Our Approach

Forensic Clarity. Decisive Verdicts.
Strategic Acceleration.

We don't just advise—we diagnose with forensic precision, deliver unambiguous verdicts, and accelerate only what truly deserves to win. This is how Total Advantage is built.

Total Advantage Principles

These aren't just values on a wall. They're the operating principles that guide every triage, every verdict, and every acceleration decision we make.

Total Advantage, Not Quick Wins

We optimize for sustainable competitive moats, not vanity metrics. Every recommendation is designed to create lasting advantage.

Capital Preservation First

A clear KILL verdict that saves you $500K in wasted runway is a massive win. We protect your capital as fiercely as we pursue growth.

Merit Over Money

We don't accelerate projects just because they can pay. Only projects that demonstrate genuine potential earn our full commitment.

Forensic Objectivity

We tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Our verdicts are backed by data and delivered without sugarcoating.

The Triage Process

A structured journey from initial conversation to strategic acceleration—if your project earns it.

0

Intake Session

Complimentary

30 minutes

Every engagement begins with a confidential conversation. We listen, we understand, and we assess whether triage is the right fit for your situation.

What We Do

  • Understand your project situation and challenges
  • Review initial documentation (if available)
  • Assess whether AI Project Triage is appropriate
  • Define scope and recommend triage depth (Rapid vs. Deep)
  • No obligation—this is about fit, not sales

Deliverables

  • Triage recommendation
  • Scope definition
  • Next steps (if proceeding)
1

Rapid Triage

Quick Diagnostic

5-10 business days

A fast, focused diagnostic for projects that need quick directional guidance. We cut through the noise and deliver an unambiguous verdict.

What We Do

  • Executive-level assessment across key dimensions
  • Identification of critical blockers and risks
  • Fix / Kill / Redirect verdict with rationale
  • High-level action priorities
  • Executive summary suitable for stakeholders/board

Deliverables

  • Verdict report
  • Critical path summary
  • 2-hour debrief session
2

Deep Dive Triage

Forensic Analysis

3-8 weeks

Comprehensive forensic analysis for complex projects or portfolio-level evaluations. Our Fintech AI Scorecard leaves no stone unturned.

What We Do

  • Full 5-dimension scorecard with detailed scoring
  • Technical deep-dive (architecture, data, models)
  • Stakeholder interviews and team assessment
  • Market and competitive analysis
  • Detailed remediation roadmap (if FIX verdict)
  • Alternative direction mapping (if REDIRECT verdict)

Deliverables

  • Comprehensive scorecard
  • 90-day action plan
  • Board-ready presentation
  • Ongoing advisory option
3

Selective Acceleration

By Invitation

Ongoing partnership

For projects that pass triage with a clear FIX verdict and meet our merit criteria, we offer hands-on acceleration to build lasting competitive advantage.

What We Do

  • LLM reengineering and optimization
  • Production deployment and scaling
  • Go-to-market strategy and execution
  • Investor introductions and funding support
  • Ongoing strategic advisory

Deliverables

  • Production-ready AI system
  • Market positioning
  • Funding introductions
  • Board seat option

What We Refuse To Do

Our integrity is non-negotiable. These are lines we will never cross, regardless of the commercial opportunity.

Sugarcoat failing projects to protect feelings

Accept projects just because they can pay the fee

Promise outcomes we can't realistically deliver

Recommend acceleration for projects that should be killed

Compromise on our analysis to secure follow-on work

Share your confidential information with anyone

The Three Verdicts

Every triage concludes with one of three verdicts. There is no "maybe."

FIX

The project is viable with defined remediation. We provide the exact roadmap to transform it into a competitive asset.

Path: Deep remediation roadmap → Optional acceleration

KILL

The project is not viable. Stop burning capital. We explain exactly why and help you exit gracefully.

Path: Wind-down guidance → Capital preservation

REDIRECT

A significant pivot is required. The core insight may be valid, but the current approach won't succeed. We show the better path.

Path: Pivot strategy → Re-assessment after pivot

Ready to Protect & Build Total Advantage?

Start with a complimentary intake session. No obligation, no hard sell—just an honest conversation about whether triage is right for your situation.