# 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](https://egon-expert.com/services/technical-due-diligence) readiness.

## What You Get

- ✔ Technical Strategy & Roadmap Alignment
- ✔ Product Development Lifecycle Optimisation
- ✔ Executive Mentorship & Board Advisory
- ✔ [Technical Due Diligence](https://egon-expert.com/services/technical-due-diligence) for Investors
- ✔ Startup Tech Stack Audit & Architecture Review
- ✔ Cost Optimisation & Vendor Selection
- ✔ Software Project Recovery & Rescue
- ✔ Engineering Culture & Team Development

## Frequently Asked Questions

**How much does a Fractional CTO cost?**  
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](https://egon-expert.com/fractional-cto-cost).

**How is a Fractional CTO different from a full-time CTO?**  
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](https://egon-expert.com/fractional-cto-vs-full-time-cto).

**How quickly can you start?**  
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.

**Do you provide technical due diligence?**  
Yes. Our Fractional CTO engagements often include pre-investment tech audits, architecture reviews, and code assessments. [Learn more about our technical due diligence service](https://egon-expert.com/services/technical-due-diligence).

**What industries do you work with?**  
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.

**When should I hire a Fractional CTO?**  
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](https://egon-expert.com/guides/do-i-need-cto-seed-stage) covers the "when" in detail.