What is a Fractional CTO?
A fractional CTO is an experienced technology executive who provides part-time strategic leadership to companies that need CTO-level expertise without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire.
By Romain Eude, 5x CTOIn This Guide
1. Definition and Core Concept
A fractional CTO is an experienced technology executive who provides part-time strategic leadership to companies that need CTO-level expertise without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire. The term "fractional" refers to the fact that they work a fraction of a full-time schedule—typically 1-3 days per week.
Unlike consultants who advise from the outside, a fractional CTO embeds with your team, makes decisions, and is accountable for technology outcomes. They're not just advisors—they're hands-on leaders who take ownership of your technology strategy and execution.
Key differentiator: A fractional CTO provides strategic leadership without full-time commitment, bringing multi-industry experience from working with multiple companies.
Ideal For:
2. What Does a Fractional CTO Actually Do?
A fractional CTO wears many hats, adapting their focus to your company's most pressing needs.
Technology Strategy & Roadmap
Defining the technical vision, architecture decisions, and prioritised roadmap aligned with business goals.
Team Building & Leadership
Hiring, mentoring, and structuring engineering teams. Establishing engineering culture and processes.
Technical Due Diligence
Preparing for investor scrutiny, M&A processes, and ensuring your technology stack is acquisition-ready.
Vendor & Architecture Decisions
Evaluating and selecting technology partners, tools, and making build-vs-buy decisions.
AI & Automation Integration
Identifying practical AI opportunities and implementing automation that delivers real ROI.
Investor Documentation
Board-level reporting and technical documentation for stakeholders, investors, and potential acquirers.
3. Fractional CTO vs Full-Time CTO
Understanding the key differences to make the right choice for your company.
| Factor | Full-Time CTO | Fractional CTO |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | £130,000 - £180,000+ | £24,000 - £96,000 |
| Time Commitment | Full-time, exclusive | 1-2 days/week (flexible) |
| Experience Breadth | Single company focus | Multi-industry experience |
| Flexibility | Long-term hire, notice period | Month-to-month, scalable |
| Equity Expectations | Typically 1-5% | Usually none or minimal |
| Time to Start | 3-6 months to hire | 1-2 weeks |
4. How Much Does a Fractional CTO Cost?
UK fractional CTO pricing typically follows these models.
Retainer Model
per month
Hourly Rate
per hour
Day Rate
per day
ROI Insight
At £2,499-£9,599/month, fractional CTO services represent 60-70% savings compared to a full-time CTO salary of £130,000-£180,000 annually (plus benefits, equity, and recruitment costs).
5. When Should You Hire a Fractional CTO?
7 clear signs your company needs a fractional CTO.
Pre-seed
You need technical credibility for investor conversations
Seed
You're a non-technical founder building a tech product
Series A
You're scaling your engineering team 3-5x rapidly
Growth
Technical debt is slowing down product development
Scaling
You're facing critical architecture decisions that will define your platform
Pre-M&A
You're preparing for technical due diligence ahead of fundraising or acquisition
Transition
Your current CTO is leaving and you need interim leadership
6. How to Work with a Fractional CTO
What to expect in the first 90 days and beyond.
Discovery & Quick Wins
Technology audit, team assessment, quick wins identification, understanding business goals.
Strategy Development
Strategy development, roadmap creation, process improvements, architecture planning.
Execution & Impact
Execution support, hiring, architecture decisions, measuring impact, continuous improvement.
Success Metrics We Track
Ready to Explore Fractional CTO Services?
With 25+ years experience and a successful exit, I help UK startups and scale-ups build acquisition-ready technology platforms.