Comparison Guide
Fractional CTO vs Technical Advisor
Both provide senior technical guidance. But the depth of involvement is very different. Here is how to decide which you need.
Quick Comparison
| Fractional CTO | Technical Advisor | |
|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | 1-3 days per week | A few hours per month |
| Role | Executive team member | Sounding board / mentor |
| Team Interaction | Manages engineers directly | Advises founders/leaders |
| Typical Cost | £3,000-8,000/month | £500-2,000/month |
| Decision Making | Makes decisions | Advises on decisions |
| Best For | Companies needing leadership | Technical founders needing input |
What a Fractional CTO Does
A fractional CTO is an embedded executive. They work 1-3 days per week but function as a full member of your leadership team. They manage people, make decisions, and own outcomes.
A typical week might include:
- • Running 1:1s with engineering team members
- • Making architecture decisions
- • Participating in sprint planning
- • Meeting with founders/CEO on strategy
- • Interviewing candidates
- • Code reviews and technical guidance
- • Investor/board presentations
What a Technical Advisor Does
A technical advisor is a sounding board. They provide guidance, answer questions, and share experience - but they do not manage your team or make day-to-day decisions. Think mentor more than manager.
A typical month might include:
- • Monthly strategy call with founders
- • Review of major technical decisions
- • Input on hiring priorities
- • Advice on vendor/tool selection
- • Board meeting preparation support
- • Occasional email/Slack questions
When to Choose Each
Choose a Fractional CTO when:
- ✓ You have no technical leadership
- ✓ Your engineering team needs a manager
- ✓ You are non-technical founders
- ✓ You need someone to own technical outcomes
- ✓ You are preparing for fundraising (including technical due diligence)
Choose a Technical Advisor when:
- ✓ You are a technical founder
- ✓ You have a capable tech lead
- ✓ You just need a second opinion
- ✓ Budget is very limited
- ✓ You can execute independently
A Common Path
Many companies start with a technical advisor and graduate to a fractional CTO as they grow. This is smart - match the level of support to your stage. Understanding when your startup needs a CTO helps you time this transition.
Pre-seed / very early: A technical advisor can provide guidance on initial architecture, first hires, and avoiding common mistakes. Low cost, high leverage.
Seed / growing team: Once you have 5+ engineers, you probably need more than occasional advice. A fractional CTO can provide the leadership and management the team needs, including making your first engineering hire after funding.
Series A+: At this point you might need a full-time CTO, or continue with fractional if the model is working. Understanding your first 90 days after raising is key. The fractional CTO can also help recruit and onboard their full-time replacement.
Not Sure What You Need?
Book a free call. We will figure out the right level of support for your stage and situation.
Book Discovery Call