Should you hire a fractional CTO or a full-time CTO?
Short answer
Hire a full-time CTO when technology leadership needs someone every day: typically a sizeable engineering team, a complex platform or technology at the centre of the product. Before that point, a fractional CTO gives you the same judgement for part of the week, and can help define and hire the full-time role when you are ready.
The questions that decide it
| Question | Points to fractional | Points to full-time |
|---|---|---|
| How many engineers? | A small team, or none yet | Several teams with their own leads |
| How much is changing? | Steady roadmap, occasional big decisions | Constant, high-stakes technical change |
| Is technology the product? | Technology supports the product | Deep technology is the differentiator |
| Is a co-founder needed? | No, you need leadership | Yes, with equity and long-term commitment |
A common path
- A fractional CTO sets direction, standards and the first hires
- The team grows and the role fills more of the week
- The fractional CTO defines the permanent role and helps hire for it
- Handover to the full-time CTO, sometimes with ongoing support
Related questions
Can a fractional CTO be a co-founder?
Rarely. Co-founders usually commit full-time for the long term. A fractional CTO is a way to get leadership before you find that person, or instead of needing one.