Fractional CTO Services for Startups
Senior technical leadership for non-technical founders. No full-time executive price tag. We help early-stage startups in Chicago, Dallas, and beyond make smart technology decisions.
Learn MoreWhat is a Fractional CTO?
A fractional CTO provides part-time technical leadership for your startup. Instead of hiring a full-time Chief Technology Officer at $300K+ per year, you get experienced guidance for a fraction of the cost. Typically 10-20 hours per month.
For non-technical founders building technology products, this is often the smartest first hire. You get strategic technology oversight without committing to a full-time executive before you're ready. Our Feasibility First approach means we tackle the hardest technical questions upfront so your product is rooted in reality, not assumptions.
Why Startups Need Fractional CTO Services
Up to 70% of startups face technology-related challenges that threaten their success. Common problems include:
- Building on the wrong technology stack
- AI-built prototypes that can't scale to production
- Development teams without senior technical guidance
- Technical debt that slows every new feature
- Struggling to communicate technical plans to investors
- Vendor lock-in from platforms you can't leave
A fractional CTO helps you avoid these pitfalls. Or dig your way out if you're already stuck.
What We Do as Your Fractional CTO
Feasibility First
Validate the hard technical questions upfront. Define your stack, architecture, and roadmap rooted in reality.
AI Prototype Review
Evaluate code from Cursor, Bolt, Lovable, or Replit. Identify what's salvageable.
Team Building
Help hire developers, set up processes, and establish engineering culture.
Investor Prep
Translate technical plans into investor-ready materials. Answer due diligence questions.
Vendor Evaluation
Assess development agencies, tools, and platforms. Avoid bad decisions.
Code Review
Review architecture and code quality. Identify security issues and technical debt.
Who This Is For
Our fractional CTO services, led by co-founder Don Bora, are designed for:
- Non-technical founders building technology products
- First-time founders who need technical mentorship
- Startups with AI-built prototypes that need production help
- Early-stage companies preparing for seed or Series A
- Chicago and Dallas startups wanting local, hands-on support
In Practice
"My brother feared the cost of care more than the illness itself. He delayed treatment until it was too late."
— Sue Rezin, Founder & CEO, MyCheckUpHealth
After 15 years as an Illinois State Senator tackling healthcare policy, Sue Rezin saw the system's failure hit home. The working middle class was being caught in a financial squeeze where illness forced people to drain their savings. She founded MyCheckUpHealth to bypass the opaque insurance system with transparent cash pricing and fast booking for basic care.
A healthcare marketplace connecting patients with transparent pricing — designed for the working middle class that insurance leaves behind. Eight Bit provides fractional CTO leadership and development.
See the work →Frequently Asked Questions
What does a fractional CTO actually do?
A fractional CTO provides part-time technical leadership for your startup. They help with technology strategy, architecture decisions, team building, vendor evaluation, and ensuring your technical direction aligns with business goals. All without the $300K+ salary of a full-time CTO.
How much does a fractional CTO cost?
Fractional CTO services typically range from $150-$300 per hour, or $5,000-$15,000 per month for ongoing engagements. This is a fraction of the $300K-$500K annual cost (salary + equity) of a full-time CTO hire.
When should a startup hire a fractional CTO?
Consider a fractional CTO when you're a non-technical founder building a tech product, need to evaluate or rescue an AI-built prototype, are preparing for fundraising and need technical credibility, or have a development team that needs senior technical guidance.
What's the difference between a fractional CTO and a technical advisor?
A technical advisor provides occasional strategic input, typically a few hours per month. A fractional CTO is hands-on: they attend team meetings, review code, make architecture decisions, interview developers, and take accountability for technical outcomes.
Can a fractional CTO help with AI-built prototypes?
Yes. Many founders use tools like Cursor, Bolt, Lovable, or Replit to build prototypes, then hit limitations. A fractional CTO can evaluate your AI-built code, identify technical debt, and create a roadmap to production-ready software.
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