Fractional CTO
What is a fractional CTO?
A fractional CTO is an experienced chief technology officer who works with a company part time on an ongoing basis, typically a day or two a week or a fixed number of days a month. They carry the same responsibilities as a full-time CTO for strategy, architecture, delivery, suppliers, security and hiring, at a fraction of the cost and commitment.
Why companies use one
Most companies need senior technical judgement long before they need, or can afford, a full-time executive. The gap shows up as decisions queuing behind a founder, an outsourced team nobody is checking, or investor questions about architecture and security that nobody can answer.
A fractional arrangement buys the judgement without the salary, equity and search cost of a permanent hire, and without the twelve-week gap while that hire is found.
What it is not
It is not a consultant writing a report and leaving. A fractional CTO holds standing accountability for the technical function between visits, and their decisions are minuted like any other executive's.
It is also not an interim. An interim CTO fills a vacant full-time seat for a fixed term at full-time intensity; a fractional CTO is a part-time arrangement that is intended to continue. And it is not a non-executive director: a non-executive sits on the board holding the executive to account and carries statutory duties under the Companies Act 2006, while a fractional CTO sits inside the executive line.
The title is not protected
Anyone may use it, and it covers two quite different jobs: written advice, or standing accountability for strategy, hiring, suppliers, security and what the board is told. Ask which one is on offer before you compare rates.
Sources and review
- Companies Act 2006, sections 170 to 177, for the distinction between an executive role and the statutory office of a director.
- Definitions on this page describe how the engagements in this practice are structured, and are stated as experience rather than as an industry standard.
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