Fractional CTO Services
Non-technical founders often end up making big technical decisions with nobody to check them: which agency to trust, whether a quote is reasonable, why delivery keeps slipping, what to say when an investor asks about the architecture. Our fractional CTOs set technical direction, make or review architecture decisions, oversee developers and vendors, and keep delivery on track. It’s a few days a month, scaled up when the business needs more.
What this gives you
- Technical decisions made with senior judgment, not guesswork
- A roadmap and architecture that match the business plan
- Someone holding developers and vendors to what they promised
Some of the teams we’ve worked with
What’s included
The work we take responsibility for.
Technical strategy and roadmap
Turning business goals into a realistic technical plan, with sequencing and budget.
Architecture decisions
Stack choices, build-versus-buy calls and system design, made by someone who has lived with the consequences of those choices before.
Team and vendor oversight
Hiring support, code quality standards and regular review of what developers or agencies are delivering against what was agreed.
Investor and due diligence support
A clear technical story for fundraising, and preparation for technical due diligence so the questions don’t catch you off guard.
Security and risk
Security, compliance and continuity measures sized for your stage, including reducing dependence on a single developer who holds all the knowledge.
Hands-on when needed
Access to our engineering team to carry out the plan, not just advise on it.
Deliverables
What you keep when the work is done.
- Technical roadmap
- Architecture decisions
- Team and vendor oversight
- Fundraising support
- Ongoing monthly leadership
How we deliver
Scope and design the system
A senior engineer works out the data model, the integrations and the build plan with you. These decisions shape everything after, so a person makes them.
Build, with AI on the routine work
AI tools draft scaffolding, boilerplate and first-pass tests, so engineering hours go into the parts specific to your business.
Review and harden
Engineers review the code, check security and own the quality of what ships. Nothing AI-drafted goes out unreviewed.
Launch and keep improving
Production release with monitoring in place, then short cycles of changes based on how people actually use it.
FAQ
Common questions about Fractional CTO
What is a fractional CTO?
A senior technical leader who works with your company part-time: setting technical direction, owning architecture, overseeing your team or vendors and supporting fundraising, for a fraction of the cost and commitment of a full-time CTO.
Who needs fractional CTO services?
Non-technical founders, early-stage startups and SMBs that need senior technical judgment but aren’t ready for a full-time executive. It’s also useful at specific moments: choosing a vendor, rescuing a stalled build, preparing for a fundraise, or after a key developer leaves.
How much do fractional CTO services cost?
Considerably less than a full-time CTO’s salary and equity. It’s a monthly engagement sized to the days you need; tell us your situation and we’ll propose a scope and price.
Can the fractional CTO also build?
Yes. You get direct access to our engineering team, so the plan turns into shipped software. If you’d rather keep your current developers or agency, the fractional CTO works with them instead, and we’ll be open about which option we think suits you.
What do you need from us?
Access to your code, infrastructure and vendor contracts, and a regular slot with the founders or leadership team. The first weeks go into understanding what exists and who owns what, before we recommend changes.
Related services
Talk through what you need with someone technical.
Share a few details and an engineer will reply within one business day with clear next steps. If it looks like a fit, you can start with a one-week trial on real work.