Most small companies do not need a full-time CTO. They need senior tech guidance a couple of days a week. A full-time CTO is a big salary and only pays off once software runs your business and you have a team to manage. Before that, a senior developer or a part-time (fractional) CTO usually gives you what you need.
What does a CTO actually do?
A CTO owns the big decisions about your software. They decide what to build, in what order, and who builds it. They also keep it safe and working, and manage the people doing the work. In short, they lead the tech side so you don’t have to be the most technical person in the room.
Do I really need one full-time?
Usually not, and not yet. A full-time CTO earns their salary when software is the heart of your business and you have several developers who need a boss. If you have one product and a small team, that’s a lot of money for a job that isn’t full yet. Many owners hire a full-timer far too early.
What is a part-time or fractional tech leader?
A fractional CTO is a senior tech leader who works for you part-time, often a day or two a week. You get their experience and a steady hand to check the work, without paying a full salary. They set the plan, keep an eye on quality, and help you hire. It’s the middle path between doing it alone and a full-time hire.
How do I know which one I need?
Ask what’s actually missing. If work is getting done but nobody owns the plan, you need a leader, not another builder. If you’re drowning in decisions you can’t judge, a part-time CTO fits. Read how to hire a developer you can trust and how to know if a developer is good before you decide.
| You need | The right hire |
|---|---|
| Someone to build features well | A senior developer |
| Someone to own the plan part-time | A fractional CTO |
| A leader for a growing tech team | A full-time CTO |
| Direction, but not every day | A fractional CTO |
What does it cost?
A full-time CTO in Europe often costs well over 100,000 euros a year, plus the cost of finding one. A part-time or fractional CTO runs a few thousand euros a month, based on days and experience. A senior developer sits below that again. Match the spend to what’s really missing, not to a title.
At Givore Studio we act as the tech leader for owners who aren’t technical themselves. One team, one point of contact, steering the plan and building the software. Want to know which you actually need? Tell us on WhatsApp.