How to find affordable, experienced fractional CTOs and what to know before hiring.
How to find affordable, experienced fractional CTOs and what to know before hiring.
When you’re building the foundations for a thriving startup having the right technology leadership can be the difference between make or break. But not every startup needs—or can afford—a full-time Chief Technology Officer (CTO). That's where a fractional CTO comes in. These part-time experts provide senior technology leadership without the full-time commitment. But how do you find an affordable, experienced fractional CTO? And more importantly, what should you know before hiring one?
Let us share tips on finding the right fit for your company and outline key factors to ensure you're making the best decision. After all, this is about setting you up for success.
Note: If you’re ready to invest in the future of your tech startup and hire a fractional CTO then please drop us a message. We’re always ready to answer any questions you might have.
Finding an experienced fractional CTO
The challenge of finding an experienced fractional CTO is balancing experience and cost. You want someone with deep technical know-how, but you don’t want to blow your budget. So how do you strike the right balance?
Look for industry experience
Every industry has its quirks. Whether it's specific regulatory requirements, tech stack preferences, or common challenges, you want a CTO who "gets" your field. A fractional CTO with experience in your industry will not only understand the tech you need, but they’ll also be able to anticipate potential roadblocks before they happen. That’s the value of industry-specific knowledge—saves you time and money by preventing avoidable mistakes.
Assess leadership skills
Great technical skills are essential, but they aren’t everything. You also need a fractional CTO who can lead. Think of them as more than just a problem-solver; they’re a bridge between your technical team and your broader business goals. A good CTO can mentor junior developers, inspire confidence, and even build a solid team from the ground up. Without leadership, even the best tech decisions can fall flat.
Dive into past work
Don’t just rely on a resume. Ask for case studies or references from previous clients. How has the CTO you’re considering handled similar challenges? Did they deliver results within budget? Past projects give you a real sense of their capabilities and their approach. At Scryla, we’re proud of the portfolio our fractional CTOs have built across industries like healthcare, digital advertising and SaaS (to name a few). Real-world experience is what separates a great hire from a disappointing one.
Affordable CTO and what to consider
Hiring an affordable CTO isn’t just about getting the lowest price. In fact, hiring based solely on cost can end up costing you more in the long run. Here’s how to think about affordability without sacrificing quality.
Focus on value, not just price
When it comes to a fractional CTO, "affordable" should mean getting the best return on your investment. A more experienced CTO might charge a higher rate, but their ability to make strategic, high-level decisions can save you from costly tech mistakes. That’s real value. At Scryla, we provide a balance of affordability and expertise, allowing startups to scale smartly and stay within budget. Tim NG, founder of Scryla also owns Novidian – a startup that offers other startups access to CTO services on a PAYG basis.
Watch out for too-good-to-be-true offers
Be wary of fractional CTOs who offer rock-bottom rates with promises of top-tier results. You’ve heard the saying, “you get what you pay for”. That applies here. A CTO needs to deliver more than quick fixes—they need to make decisions that align with your long-term goals. Someone who undercharges may lack the experience to give you the strategic insight you need, potentially leading to costly setbacks down the road.
Plan for growth
Even though fractional CTOs are often brought on for specific, short-term needs, think long term. Will this person be able to scale your technology as your business grows? Do they have a plan for that? An experienced fractional CTO will create a tech strategy that grows with you, ensuring your infrastructure can handle the next stage of your business. We do this all the time at Scryla, offering flexible engagement models to suit both your immediate and future needs.
What to know before hiring a CTO
Before signing on the dotted line, there are a few things to consider. Here's what you need to know before hiring a fractional CTO:
Define your objectives clearly
What are you hoping to achieve? Are you looking to develop new products, scale your existing platform, or overhaul your current tech stack? How long do you want your specific project to take? Be specific about your goals. The clearer you are upfront, the better your fractional CTO can align with your business needs. At Scryla, we always start by understanding the big picture and how technology can drive those business goals.
Align on business strategy, not just tech
A great fractional CTO will understand how technology supports your broader business strategy. They should be able to make decisions that align with your short-term needs and long-term vision. That’s exactly what Damian Davies, Owner of Timebank, experienced when working with us. "As we grow, we know our systems need to flex with us. Working with Scryla is allowing us to realise the growth potential of the business without some of the pains we hear others experience." That’s the kind of strategic partnership you should be looking for.
Prioritise communication skills
A fractional CTO is often working with both tech and non-tech teams. You need someone who can explain complex concepts in plain language. They should bridge the gap between the boardroom and the development team, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Effective communication is key to keeping projects on track and avoiding costly delays. We’re written about this before.
Don’t forget cultural fit
Startups move fast. You need a CTO who can keep pace, roll up their sleeves, and fit into your unique company culture. Will they collaborate well with your team? Do they align with your values? While skills and experience matter, someone who fits into your culture will be much more successful in the long run.
Do they prioritise your people too? At Scryla, we pride ourselves on our people-first approach. We define success beyond metrics.
Partner with Scryla for affordable, experienced Fractional CTOs
At Scryla, we understand that tech leadership is critical to your growth, but it doesn't have to break the bank. Our experienced fractional CTOs bring years of expertise to the table, helping companies like Timebank achieve their potential without the usual tech headaches. Whether you need help building out your product roadmap, scaling your infrastructure, or navigating technical challenges, we offer flexible, affordable solutions tailored to your needs.
If you're ready to make a strategic decision that sets your business up for success, contact Scryla today. Let’s chat about how we can support your vision with the right technology leadership.