Hire a Fractional CTO
for Startups & SMEs
High-level strategic technology leadership without the overhead of a full-time executive. Our CTO as a service model works with businesses at key growth inflection points - from pre-Series A startups to established SMEs needing a technical turn-around.
What is a Fractional CTO?
A Fractional CTO - also known as an interim CTO, outsourced CTO, or CTO as a service - provides the same strategic leadership as a full-time Chief Technology Officer but on a part-time or project basis. For SaaS startups and scaleups, this means getting the benefit of decades of experience in architecture, hiring, and scaling without the commitment of a C-level salary and equity package. Whether you need a startup CTO mentor for two days a week, a technical co-founder replacement during a transition, or a focused engagement to rescue a failing software project, the model flexes to fit your business.
Who Is This For?
SaaS Startups & Scaleups
You've found product-market fit but are struggling with startup platform scalability - the transition from a hacky MVP to a robust, scalable platform. You need a fractional CTO for SaaS startups to professionalise your engineering culture and build the foundations for growth.
Non-Technical Founders
You have a great business vision but need a fractional CTO for non-technical founders - a technical co-pilot who manages your development teams, oversees architecture decisions, and ensures quality delivery without requiring you to learn the jargon.
SMEs with Legacy Challenges
Established businesses relying on aging systems. We lead pragmatic modernisation without disrupting your day-to-day operations.
Companies in Transition
Preparing for a pre-Series A round, acquisition, or major technical pivot. We help clean up the technical landscape and provide the confidence investors look for through technical due diligence readiness.
What You Get
- ✔ Technical Strategy & Roadmap Alignment
- ✔ Product Development Lifecycle Optimisation
- ✔ Executive Mentorship & Board Advisory
- ✔ Technical Due Diligence for Investors
- ✔ Startup Tech Stack Audit & Architecture Review
- ✔ Cost Optimisation & Vendor Selection
- ✔ Software Project Recovery & Rescue
- ✔ Engineering Culture & Team Development
Ready for Strategic Tech Leadership?
Book a free consultation to discuss how our Fractional CTO services can accelerate your business.
Book a ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
UK day rates typically range from £800 to £2,500 per day, depending on scope and seniority. We offer flexible engagement models including day-rate, retainer, and project-based arrangements. Read our full pricing guide.
A Fractional CTO works part-time (typically 1-3 days per week) providing strategic technology leadership across multiple engagements. This gives you access to broader industry experience at a lower cost - typically £36k–£120k per year versus £200k+ for a full-time CTO. Compare the models.
Unlike a full-time hire (3-6 month recruitment cycle), a Fractional CTO can typically start within days to a couple of weeks, depending on availability and the complexity of the engagement.
Yes. Our Fractional CTO engagements often include pre-investment tech audits, architecture reviews, and code assessments. Learn more about our technical due diligence service.
We have deep experience in fintech, e-commerce, media, and events, with a particular strength in fintech. However, our core expertise in scalability, team building, and legacy modernisation applies to any technology-driven business.
Common triggers: pre-funding tech prep, scaling after product-market fit, replacing a departed CTO, rescuing a failing project, or bridging between contract and permanent tech hires. Our seed-stage CTO guide covers the "when" in detail.