What is a retainer engagement?

A retainer engagement is an ongoing monthly relationship where High Touch Group provides continuous strategic and marketing support. Unlike a fixed-scope sprint, a retainer is structured around evolving priorities — ideal for companies that need sustained commercial momentum after an initial sprint or as a long-term growth partner.

How long does a typical project take?

Sprints run 30–60 days depending on the tier selected. Retainer engagements are ongoing and typically begin with a minimum 3-month commitment to allow enough time to build and measure commercial traction.

What is the difference between a sprint and a retainer?

A sprint is a fixed-fee, fixed-scope engagement designed to produce a specific commercial deliverable — such as a messaging framework, pitch deck, or go-to-market plan — within 30 to 60 days. A retainer is an ongoing engagement providing continuous strategic support, execution, and iteration on a monthly basis.

How do I know which model is right for my company?

If you need a specific deliverable quickly — such as preparing for a fundraise or product launch — a sprint is the right fit. If you need ongoing commercial support, strategic guidance across multiple workstreams, or are past the initial build phase and focused on execution, a retainer is the better choice. HTG can help you assess which model fits your current stage.

What are Commercial Readiness Sprints?

Commercial Readiness Sprints are fixed-fee, senior-led engagements that get your positioning, messaging, and commercial assets ready in 30 to 60 days. They are designed for science founders who need their commercial story to land with investors — without a long-term retainer.

Who are Commercial Readiness Sprints designed for?

Sprints are built for diagnostics, medtech, and biotech founders at seed stage, pre-Series A, or coming off an SBIR or STTR award who know their science but need their commercial story to land with investors and partners.

How much does a Commercial Readiness Sprint cost?

High Touch Group offers three Sprint tiers at fixed fees: the Messaging Ready Sprint is $6,000 over 30 days; the Pitch Ready Sprint is $10,000 over 45 days; and the Investor Ready Sprint is $15,000 over 60 days. No retainer required.

What do you get from a Commercial Readiness Sprint?

Depending on the tier, you receive: a core messaging framework, a refined investor pitch deck, a technology brief or executive summary, a curated investor targeting list, and a channel and marketing plan. Every Sprint includes a direct strategy session with Elizabeth Chabe, HTG CEO and author of The Giant's Ladder.

How do I apply for a Sprint?

Apply directly at hightouchgroup.com/sprints-overview/. Spots are limited each cycle. Early-stage diagnostics founders can apply via the diagnostics-specific sprint page at hightouchgroup.com/sprints-overview/diagnostics/

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Tell us about your company and what you're working on. We'll get back to you within one business day.

If you're an early-stage founder in diagnostics, medtech, or biotech, our Commercial Readiness Sprints may be the right starting point.

Learn About Sprints

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