Service
Fractional CTO for Founders & Small Teams
You’re building something real — but every technology decision lands on your desk, and a full-time CTO costs $200,000–$350,000 per year. The Fractional CTO model gives you an experienced technology leader in your corner, at a fraction of the cost, exactly when you need one.
Who It’s For
Built for leaders carrying technology decisions alone
Founders and solopreneurs without a technical co-founder who need someone to pressure-test architecture, vet developers and agencies, and keep the product on a foundation that scales.
CEOs of small, growing teams who are done being the de facto IT department — and want technology decisions made proactively instead of in crisis mode.
Mission-driven organizations that need the same strategic leadership with a partner who understands nonprofit budgets and constraints. See our Fractional CTO for Nonprofits.
What You Get
Strategic technology leadership, on a retainer
- A clear technology direction aligned to your business goals
- Honest, vendor-neutral guidance — we have no products to sell you
- Architecture and build-vs-buy decisions made with experience, not guesswork
- Confident hiring and vendor management — know what good looks like
- Practical AI adoption that saves time instead of adding complexity
- Executive-level thinking without a full-time executive salary
Common Questions
Fractional CTO, answered
What does a fractional CTO do?
A fractional CTO provides the same strategic technology leadership as a full-time CTO — technology strategy, architecture decisions, vendor and hiring guidance, AI adoption, and roadmap planning — on a part-time, retainer basis. You get executive-level judgment without the executive-level payroll.
How much does a fractional CTO cost compared to a full-time hire?
A full-time CTO typically costs $200,000–$350,000+ per year in salary alone, before equity and benefits. A fractional CTO engagement runs a fraction of that on a flexible monthly retainer, scaled to the level of involvement you actually need.
Who is a fractional CTO right for?
Founders and solopreneurs without a technical co-founder, small teams whose CEO is making technology decisions alone, and mission-driven organizations that need experienced technology guidance but don't yet have the volume of work to justify a full-time hire.
Do you only advise, or do you also build?
Both. Some engagements are purely advisory — helping you make better technology decisions and build a roadmap. Others are hands-on, including website modernization, AI integration, and strategic technology projects. We design the engagement around what you need.
Is a Fractional CTO right for you?
The best way to find out is a free 30-minute conversation. No pitch, no pressure — just an honest assessment of where you are and what kind of support would actually help.