I have worked with, formally and informally, 100+ tech companies as advisor, CTO or CPO. From startup to mature, SMB to enterprise, I have enjoyed a variety of leadership engagements in both product and technical. Many organizations I work with do not need a full time CTO. Fractional CTO resourcing provides the huge benefits of experience and expertise, as well as a deep well of “get it done” professional resources. The just-in-time model works for those who generally have these three indicators:

1. Review and turnaround – product not on track, fails to meet quality standards, etc.
2. Growth outpaces current resourcing: getting velocity and becoming lean
3. Strategic need: funding, roadmap review, team expansion.

Most have one of the first two needs, an my initial conversations go one of two ways:

• I’m building a startup SaaS company, and I need to find a CTO to build the MVP and to help get investment.
• I already hired a CTO (of sorts) to build my software, its a mess, I don’t know what to do.

Why is fractional preferred to hiring full time?

1. Successful, experienced SaaS CTO’s are in short supply. The expansion of technology based on the significant advantages of the SaaS model has led to high demand.
2. Along with scarcity of resources is the cost. Experienced CTO’s often command a salary and benefits that are beyond the capabilities of startups and small ventures.
3. Many CTO engagements are front loaded. That means the CTO delivers tremendous value in the first weeks and months of the engagement. Once alignment (people, process, tech) take hold, the CTO can shift to course corrections rather than day to day tactical execution.
4. Lastly and most importantly, a fractional CTO has a different lens and can see through issues and reveal bottlenecks quickly. Many times the issues masquerade as people, tech blockers, or process misalignment. An experienced CTO will identify, report and solve serious problems. Team members may see the problems and be reluctant to speak up due to a variety of reasons: group think, inexperience, fear of rocking the boat. etc.

Does this post sound familiar? Can your organization benefit from a fractional CTO or CTO as a service? I am ready to consult with you one-on-one to discuss issues, options and go forward strategies. Contact me directly (DM) or via www.CriticalGoals.com.