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
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.
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.
Series A+: At this point you might need a full-time CTO, or continue with fractional if the model is working. 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.
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