Fractional CTO vs Technical Advisor: Who's Right for You?
Both roles provide strategic expertise, but with different levels of involvement in operations. Let's explore the key differences.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Fractional CTO | Technical Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Time per month | 40-80 hours | 2-8 hours |
| Operational work | ||
| Team meeting participation | Rarely | |
| Code reviews | ||
| Hiring and onboarding | Advice only | |
| Compensation | Retainer | Equity stake |
| Accountability for results | Advisory | |
| Availability | Regular | On-demand |
When to choose each option
Choose Fractional CTO if:
You need a hands-on technical leader
- No technical co-founder or CTO
- Need someone who will do the work
- Requires development team management
- Regular meetings and availability are important
- Need code reviews and technical oversight
- Preparing for due diligence
Choose technical advisor if:
You need strategic expertise without operations
- Already have a technical leader on the team
- Need second opinion on key decisions
- Industry connections and network are important
- Budget is limited (equity instead of cash)
- Occasional consultations are sufficient
- Need a well-known expert's brand
Cost Comparison
Typical compensation per year
Fractional CTO
Monthly retainer$5,000-8,000
Number of months12
Equity stake (optional)0-0.5%
Hours per month40-80
Total:$60,000-96,000 + equity
Technical Advisor
Compensation$0-5,000
Equity stake0.25-1%
Vesting2-4 years
Hours per month2-8
Total:$0-5,000 + 0.25-1% equity
Help Me Decide
Answer questions to determine the best approach
Question 1 / 4
Do you have a technical leader on the team?
Frequently asked questions
Let's determine the optimal option
Start with a free 30-minute consultation. We'll discuss your goals, challenges, and determine how I can help.
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