What Does a Fractional CTO Do?
TL;DR: A fractional CTO provides part-time (1-4 days/week) strategic technology leadership. Core responsibilities: technology strategy, architecture decisions, engineering team building, technical due diligence, vendor evaluation, and stakeholder communication. They do the strategic CTO work; your tech leads handle day-to-day execution.
Core Responsibilities
Technology Strategy
Define roadmap, align tech investments with business goals, identify build-vs-buy decisions
Architecture Decisions
Review system design, ensure scalability, guide technical direction for major initiatives
Team Building
Define hiring criteria, interview senior candidates, structure engineering organisation
Due Diligence Prep
Document tech stack, identify risks, prepare for investor or M&A scrutiny
Vendor & Tool Selection
Evaluate platforms, negotiate contracts, ensure technical fit
Stakeholder Communication
Translate technical concepts for board, investors, and non-technical leadership
A Day in the Life
On a typical day, a fractional CTO might:
- •Morning: Review architecture proposal from engineering lead, provide feedback on scalability concerns
- •Mid-day: Interview senior developer candidate, assess technical depth and culture fit
- •Afternoon: Meet with CEO to discuss product roadmap and technology implications
- •End of day: Draft technology section for investor update, document key decisions
What a Fractional CTO Does NOT Do
- • Write production code — They guide architecture, not implement features
- • Manage daily standups — That's for tech leads and engineering managers
- • Handle support tickets — Operational work stays with the team
- • Replace your entire engineering leadership — They augment, not replace
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a fractional CTO do?
A fractional CTO provides part-time strategic technology leadership including: setting technology strategy, making architecture decisions, building and mentoring engineering teams, preparing for technical due diligence, evaluating build-vs-buy decisions, and serving as technical liaison to stakeholders.
How many days a week does a fractional CTO work?
Typically 1-4 days per week. Common arrangements: 2 days/month (advisory level), 1 day/week (active engagement), or 2 days/week (hands-on leadership).
What is the difference between a fractional CTO and a tech lead?
A tech lead focuses on day-to-day technical execution and code quality. A fractional CTO focuses on strategy, architecture, team structure, and stakeholder communication. They complement each other.
Can a fractional CTO help with fundraising?
Yes. A key role is preparing technology documentation for investors, participating in due diligence calls, and helping articulate the technical vision and roadmap.
Need Strategic Technology Leadership?
A 30-minute conversation can help clarify if a fractional CTO is right for your situation.