Run the Numbers

How a CFO Budgets for Forward Deployed Engineers

Feb 19, 2026
Varsha Udayabhanu, SVP of Finance at Invisible Technologies who specializes in the economics of high-touch AI services, joins to unpack enterprise AI adoption. She talks about forward deployed engineers and eight-week solution sprints. Conversation covers value-based, bespoke pricing, momentum metrics over ARR, and building reliable expert marketplaces.
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INSIGHT

From Labeling To Enterprise AI Solutions

  • Invisible moves beyond simple labeling to deploy enterprise AI solutions that combine models, data, and human expertise.
  • Varsha says the company focuses on making models trustworthy and production-ready for specific workflows.
INSIGHT

Why Forward Deployed Engineers Matter

  • Forward deployed engineers (FDEs) embed to understand bespoke enterprise workflows and build durable solutions.
  • Varsha stresses FDEs combine systems, domain context, and ongoing testing to deliver outcomes.
ADVICE

Prove Outcomes With Eight-Week Sprints

  • Use time-bound solution sprints (six to eight weeks) to prove outcomes before charging.
  • Offer a market or pilot deployment and then expand only after you demonstrate results.
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