What is a fractional CTO?

A fractional CTO is an experienced technology leader who works with your company part time. They decide what to build or buy, oversee the developers and vendors, and answer for delivery and security.

Does a fractional CTO write code?

Usually not day to day. They set the architecture, review the work and lead the people who build it. For an early product they may help build the first version.

Can a fractional CTO help us start with AI?

Yes. They pick the uses most likely to pay back, test them on your data, and decide whether to buy a tool or build one.

When should we hire a full-time CTO instead?

When technology is your main product and needs daily leadership, or the technical team has grown beyond what part-time leadership can manage.

Emerging Technology & AI

Fractional CTO for Indian companies

For companies that depend on technology but have no senior technical leader in the room. Also called a part-time CTO or virtual CTO.

Hire a fractional CTOPart time, 15–20 hours a week. 2–3 profiles within 24 hours.

What a fractional CTO does

In a typical month:

Sets the technology roadmap with the founder or CEO
Reviews architecture, code quality and security
Manages developers, agencies and vendors
Hires and coaches the technical team
Explains technology choices to the board and investors

Signs you need one

A non-technical founder is managing developers or an agency directly
Releases are late and nobody can explain why
You are about to choose a major system or start an AI project
Investors have asked for a technical review

What companies ask us for

“Everyone says we should use AI. Where do we start?”

Pick the two or three uses that will pay back, and test them on your data.

“Our software vendor is late and over budget.”

Review the project, reset the plan and manage the vendor.

“We run the business on spreadsheets and need an ERP or CRM.”

Define what you need, compare products and partners, and plan the roll-out.

“We are building a tech product and have no technical co-founder.”

A fractional CTO sets the architecture, hires the team and reviews the work.

All Emerging Technology & AI work

Common questions

What is a fractional CTO?: A fractional CTO is an experienced technology leader who works with your company part time. They decide what to build or buy, oversee the developers and vendors, and answer for delivery and security.
Does a fractional CTO write code?: Usually not day to day. They set the architecture, review the work and lead the people who build it. For an early product they may help build the first version.
Can a fractional CTO help us start with AI?: Yes. They pick the uses most likely to pay back, test them on your data, and decide whether to buy a tool or build one.
When should we hire a full-time CTO instead?: When technology is your main product and needs daily leadership, or the technical team has grown beyond what part-time leadership can manage.

For fees, see the Rate Estimator.

Related case studies

Other fractional leaders

Need a fractional CTO?

Tell us about the business. We send 2–3 vetted profiles within 24 hours, and you meet the person before you commit.

Hire a fractional CTO