Fractional CTO: Senior Tech Leadership, Part-Time
A fractional CTO is an experienced technology executive who provides part-time strategic leadership to companies that need CTO-level expertise without the £150K-£300K+ full-time salary.
Whether you call it a part-time CTO, virtual CTO, or CTO as a service—the concept is the same: senior technology leadership that scales with your needs.
Also Known As:
What is a Fractional CTO?
A fractional CTO is an experienced Chief Technology Officer who works part-time for your company—typically 1-4 days per week. They provide the same strategic leadership as a full-time CTO, but at a fraction of the cost.
Unlike consultants who advise from the sidelines, a fractional CTO embeds with your team. They attend leadership meetings, make architecture decisions, hire engineers, and take accountability for technology outcomes.
The model works because most growing companies don't need a full-time CTO's attention every day. They need experienced technology leadership for key decisions, strategy, and oversight—not 40+ hours of hands-on work weekly.
A Fractional CTO Provides:
How to Find a Fractional CTO
Finding the right fractional CTO requires clarity on what you need and where to look.
Define Your Needs
Strategy, team building, due diligence, or architecture? Know what problems you need solved.
Evaluate Experience
Look for relevant industry background, scaling experience, and verified track record.
Assess Fit
Communication style, availability, and cultural alignment matter as much as skills.
Start Small
Begin with a defined project or assessment before committing to ongoing engagement.
Fractional CTO Cost, Pricing & Rates
Transparent fractional CTO rates for senior technology leadership. Hire a fractional CTO at 60-70% less than full-time.
Monthly Retainer Rates
per month
Hire a fractional CTO for 2-8 days per month
Fractional CTO Day Rates
per day
For specific projects or assessments
vs Full-Time CTO
cost savings
Compared to £130K-£180K+ annual salary
Fractional CTO vs Other Options
Understanding how a fractional CTO compares to alternatives.
| Option | Commitment | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fractional CTO | 1-4 days/week, ongoing | £30K-£100K/year | Ongoing strategic leadership |
| Full-Time CTO | Full-time, permanent | £130K-£180K+/year | Large teams (25+ engineers) |
| Interim CTO | Full-time, 3-6 months | £150K-£200K+/year | CTO gap coverage |
| Tech Consultant | Project-based | Varies widely | Specific recommendations |
Fractional CTO FAQ
What is a fractional CTO?
A fractional CTO is an experienced Chief Technology Officer who works part-time for multiple companies simultaneously. Unlike a full-time CTO, they typically work 1-4 days per week, providing senior technology leadership at a fraction of the cost of a full-time executive hire.
How do I find a fractional CTO?
To find a fractional CTO: 1) Define your specific needs (strategy, team building, due diligence), 2) Look for candidates with relevant industry experience and proven track record, 3) Evaluate their communication style and availability, 4) Check references from similar companies. Start with a discovery call to assess fit.
How much does a fractional CTO cost?
Fractional CTO services typically cost £1,500-£8,000 per month on retainer, or £1,000-£2,500 per day. This represents 60-70% savings compared to a full-time CTO salary of £130,000-£180,000+ annually.
What is the difference between a fractional CTO and an interim CTO?
An interim CTO is a full-time temporary role (typically 3-6 months) filling a gap until a permanent hire is made. A fractional CTO is an ongoing part-time arrangement working 1-4 days per week, designed as a long-term solution for companies that need senior tech leadership but not full-time.
When should a startup hire a fractional CTO?
Startups should consider a fractional CTO when: making critical technology decisions, preparing for fundraising or due diligence, scaling the engineering team, the non-technical founders need technical guidance, or experiencing technical debt issues. The ideal time is before expensive mistakes are made.
Ready to Find Your Fractional CTO?
25+ years experience, 5x CTO, successful exit. Let's discuss whether fractional CTO services make sense for your company.