Insight

Fractional CTO vs full-time CTO

If the business needs senior technical decisions now but not a permanent C-level seat yet, fractional leadership usually wins on speed and cost.

Fractional CTO

Lower fixed cost, fast onboarding, focused on decision velocity and execution.

Full-time CTO

Stronger long-term org building, higher compensation overhead.

Decision trigger

Choose fractional when outcomes matter immediately and headcount flexibility matters.