Who this is for: Founders who need technical leadership and strategic guidance but want to retain full ownership of their company.
Technical cofounders typically require 10-30% equity. For many founders, especially those who've already validated their idea or raised funding, giving up equity isn't necessary. A fractional CTO provides technical cofounder-level expertise (architecture, strategy, team building) without equity dilution.
When to consider this: you need strategic technical leadership but want to keep 100% ownership, you've already raised funding and don't need equity-based partnerships, or you want to test technical leadership before committing to equity.
I provide technical cofounder-level services on a monthly retainer. This includes: technical strategy, architecture design, team structure planning, technology stack decisions, and ongoing technical advisory. No equity. No ownership. Cancel anytime after the first month.
Monthly retainers from €5,000/month (24 hours) to €18,000/month (60 hours). No equity. No ownership. Cancel anytime after first month.
Situation: A founder had a validated SaaS idea and seed funding. They needed technical leadership to build the product but didn't want to give up 20-30% equity to a technical cofounder.
Solution: I provided fractional CTO services (50 hours/month) as a technical cofounder alternative. I designed the architecture, built the initial team, and provided ongoing strategic guidance.
Outcome: Product launched in 5 months, founder retained 100% ownership, closed Series A 8 months later with full technical documentation and team structure in place.
A: Technical cofounders typically require 10-30% equity and are full partners. Fractional CTO services provide the same strategic technical leadership without equity. You pay a monthly retainer instead of giving up ownership.
A: Get a technical cofounder if you need a full partner who will commit long-term and you're comfortable giving up equity. Use fractional CTO if you want technical leadership but want to retain full ownership and flexibility.
A: Some clients do this, but it's not required. Most clients prefer to keep the retainer model for flexibility. I can discuss equity arrangements if that's your preference.
A: I can increase the retainer or add project-based work. For 80+ hours/month, I typically recommend considering a full-time CTO or technical cofounder.
Decision trigger: If you need technical cofounder-level expertise but want to keep 100% ownership, this is the point to talk to a fractional CTO instead of giving up equity.