Services
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Fractional CTO

Senior tech leadership — without the full-time cost

For startups and scale-ups who need strategic guidance, team oversight, and someone who's been there before.

The Value

CTO-level
Strategic thinking and leadership
1-3 days
Per week commitment
< £150k
vs full-time CTO salary

The right fit matters.

A fractional CTO works best for companies at a certain stage. Here's who I work with — and how I approach the role:

This is for you if:

  • Early-stage startups with a non-technical founder
  • Scale-ups between CTO hires
  • Established businesses launching new digital products
  • Organisations who need a senior voice in the room

What I won't do:

  • Pretend I'm full-time when I'm not
  • Make decisions without understanding the context
  • Disappear when things get hard
Product development workshop

What a Fractional CTO Does

A fractional CTO gives you experienced technology leadership on a part-time basis

Technical Strategy

Set architecture, technology choices, and technical roadmap

Product Roadmap

Prioritise features, manage scope, and align tech with business goals

Team Leadership

Hire, manage, and mentor your engineering team

Stakeholder Interface

Communicate with investors, board, and non-technical leadership

Build vs Buy

Make pragmatic decisions about when to build, buy, or partner

Project Delivery

Keep projects on track, on budget, and on scope

How It Works

A typical engagement structure

Time commitment
1-3 days/week
Flexible based on stage and needs
Pricing
Monthly retainer
Clear deliverables, no surprises
Communication
Slack + calls
Direct access when you need it
Approach
Hands-on
Not just advice — real involvement

Frequently Asked Questions

Typically 1-3 days per week, depending on your stage and needs. This can flex up during critical periods (fundraising, major releases) and down once things stabilise.

A consultant gives advice and leaves. A fractional CTO is embedded in your business — attending leadership meetings, managing your team, making decisions alongside you. I'm accountable for outcomes, not just recommendations.

Yes — that's often the setup. I'll lead the team, set technical direction, and help with hiring and performance. I can also work with external agencies or freelancers on your behalf.

That's the goal for many companies. I can help you hire, onboard, and transition to a permanent CTO when you're ready. Some clients keep me on as an advisor afterwards.

I've worked across SaaS, marketplaces, fintech, healthtech, and e-commerce. The specifics of your industry matter less than the stage and complexity of your product.

I sign NDAs as standard and treat your business information with the same care as if I were a full-time employee. I don't work with direct competitors simultaneously.

Need a CTO conversation?

Let's talk about your challenges and see if a fractional CTO is the right fit for your stage and goals.

Martin