A fractional CTO works on a part-time basis, for a set number of hours per week, depending on the needs of the startup.
Some core attributes are as follows:
Often non-tech founders, hire a full time CTO as a first step to let them guide though the subsequent steps, but this approach locks up a substantial amount of capital in leadership, while the right first step is to invest in craftsmanship. It also leads to pre-mature offering of equity before the synergy is put to test. A sensible approach would be to bring on board a fractional CTO and focus on setting up a team that could build and deliver the vision.
When to hire a full time CTO?
In short, a CTO should know “everything”. For a technology startup, it’s needless to say that the CTO is the most important role and it demands a wide range of expertise. It’s about navigating the technology landscape and putting together an ideal path forward that could deliver the most optimal solution. Apart from software engineering, the following are some of the essential skills:
Software development is often compared to construction, but unlike
physical buildings, software is abstract and often misunderstood. The
biggest pitfall for many startups is jumping into development without
visualizing the end product.
At Fika, we recommend “visualization before build” by using mockups, prototypes,
and wireframes. This ensures that every feature and function is clear before
a single line of code is written.
At Fika, every fractional CTO is backed by a dedicated Product Manager and UI Designer. Product management and UI Design are optional services. These services are designed to deliver a clickable prototype which will help you visualise the product for yourself and also to share it with target audience to get early feedback. This approach is critical to bringing everyone involved to the same page, and has proved to save a lot of time and energy in the subsequent steps.
Cost of producing a mockup
We have a clearly defined process which will guide you though the development of the project one step at a time.
Pay-as-go pricing with no lock-in contracts or minimum commitments. Just a simple fortnightly retainer. Not negotiable. Cancel anytime.
Ideal for early stage startups from ideation to product launch, including hiring to setup the development team
GST extra.
Ideal for scale-ups to bring more hands on the deck to accelerate development and reduce turnaround time
GST extra.
Ideal for established teams requiring an interim CTO or working towards hiring a full-time CTO
GST extra.
A comprehensive framework for startup founders to choose between AWS and Google Cloud, covering security models, developer experience, costs, and migration considerations from a Fractional CTO's perspective.
A comprehensive guide for startup founders on how to migrate from legacy technology stacks to modern, scalable architectures without disrupting business operations.
A comprehensive guide to understanding how a Fractional CTO evaluates your existing technology stack, identifies technical debt, and creates actionable improvement plans.
In the dynamic landscape of early-stage startups, making informed decisions about technology and business strategy is critical. A Fractional Chief Technology Officer (CTO) offers a strategic advantage by guiding startups through crucial decisions, ensuring both immediate gains and long-term success.
We are located at The Executive Centre, Three International Towers, Level 24, 300 Barangaroo Avenue, Sydney
Getting started is as simple as booking a free consultation with us. Ask any questions - technical, non-technical, all things startup, that’s our DNA.
Book an Appointment
Getting started is as simple as booking a free consultation with us. Ask any questions - technical, non-technical, all things startup, that’s our DNA.
From brainstorming to launch, get all the support you need to
build, iterate, and scale your startup effortlessly