Fractional CTO Services for Startups
Senior technical leadership for non-technical founders—without the full-time executive price tag. We help early-stage startups in Chicago, Dallas, and beyond make smart technology decisions.
Get StartedWhat is a Fractional CTO?
A fractional CTO provides part-time technical leadership for your startup. Instead of hiring a full-time Chief Technology Officer at $300K+ per year, you get experienced guidance for a fraction of the cost—typically 10-20 hours per month.
For non-technical founders building technology products, this is often the smartest first hire. You get strategic technology oversight without committing to a full-time executive before you're ready.
Why Startups Need Fractional CTO Services
Up to 70% of startups face technology-related challenges that threaten their success. Common problems include:
- Building on the wrong technology stack
- AI-built prototypes that can't scale to production
- Development teams without senior technical guidance
- Technical debt that slows every new feature
- Struggling to communicate technical plans to investors
- Vendor lock-in from platforms you can't leave
A fractional CTO helps you avoid these pitfalls—or dig your way out if you're already stuck.
What We Do as Your Fractional CTO
Technology Strategy
Define your tech stack, architecture, and roadmap aligned with business goals.
AI Prototype Review
Evaluate code from Cursor, Bolt, Lovable, or Replit. Identify what's salvageable.
Team Building
Help hire developers, set up processes, and establish engineering culture.
Investor Prep
Translate technical plans into investor-ready materials. Answer due diligence questions.
Vendor Evaluation
Assess development agencies, tools, and platforms. Avoid bad decisions.
Code Review
Review architecture and code quality. Identify security issues and technical debt.
Who This Is For
Our fractional CTO services are designed for:
- Non-technical founders building technology products
- First-time founders who need technical mentorship
- Startups with AI-built prototypes that need production help
- Early-stage companies preparing for seed or Series A
- Chicago and Dallas startups wanting local, hands-on support
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a fractional CTO actually do?
A fractional CTO provides part-time technical leadership for your startup. They help with technology strategy, architecture decisions, team building, vendor evaluation, and ensuring your technical direction aligns with business goals—without the $300K+ salary of a full-time CTO.
How much does a fractional CTO cost?
Fractional CTO services typically range from $150-$300 per hour, or $5,000-$15,000 per month for ongoing engagements. This is a fraction of the $300K-$500K annual cost (salary + equity) of a full-time CTO hire.
When should a startup hire a fractional CTO?
Consider a fractional CTO when you're a non-technical founder building a tech product, need to evaluate or rescue an AI-built prototype, are preparing for fundraising and need technical credibility, or have a development team that needs senior technical guidance.
What's the difference between a fractional CTO and a technical advisor?
A technical advisor provides occasional strategic input, typically a few hours per month. A fractional CTO is hands-on: they attend team meetings, review code, make architecture decisions, interview developers, and take accountability for technical outcomes.
Can a fractional CTO help with AI-built prototypes?
Yes. Many founders use tools like Cursor, Bolt, Lovable, or Replit to build prototypes, then hit limitations. A fractional CTO can evaluate your AI-built code, identify technical debt, and create a roadmap to production-ready software.
Ready to Talk?
Tell us about your startup. We'll discuss whether fractional CTO services are the right fit—no pressure, no sales pitch.
Start Your Project