What is a Fractional CTO

A Fractional CTO also called Virtual CTO is a CTO who is not employed full time, but is only hired for a period of time or for the specific duration of a project.

In addition to technical and personnel responsibilities, a Fractional CTO plays a critical role in bridging the gap between management and the technical development department of a company.

They also work closely with the CEO to determine the strategic direction of the company, requiring a deep understanding of the market and available resources.

His main responsibility is to lead the company's technology vision and to guide the development department in its implementation. He therefore plays a key role in defining the company's vision for the future.

A Fractional CTO assesses new and emerging technologies, ensuring that the right technology is used for each project. They also evaluate the impact of these technologies on the business area, and manage relationships with leading technology vendors while staying up to date with the latest trends in the tech world.

Another important aspect of a Fractional CTO's role is organizing product architecture and development as quickly and comprehensively as possible.

Besides technical and personnel responsibility, two aspects in particular are of great importance for a CTO in his daily work. On the one hand, he acts as an interface between the management and the technical development department of a company.

A CTO's key responsibilities include serving as a bridge between management and technical development teams, as well as collaborating with the CEO on the company's strategic direction based on market knowledge and available resources.

Secondly, he is responsible for the strategic orientation of the company together with the CEO.
In order to do so, management must have a thorough knowledge of the market and know exactly what resources are available in the company.