Fractional CTO for startups and growing businesses
A fractional CTO is a part-time senior tech lead - someone who owns the big technical calls for a team, like how the software is put together, hiring, and which vendors to use, and still writes code. Cognitiv offers this from USD $15,000 a month for teams that need a senior engineer on the technical direction without a full-time hire. You can stop any month.
What a fractional CTO owns
The technical direction across the whole product - how the software is put together, the AI and product plan, hiring, and choosing vendors - plus hands-on building. The difference is that the person setting direction still writes code, so the plan stays grounded in what actually works.
When a fractional CTO is the right call
When a startup or established business needs a senior technical leader now but is not ready for, or does not need, a full-time CTO. It suits teams growing a product who need someone to own the technical calls and the building at the same time.
How Cognitiv works as a fractional CTO
The Fractional CTO / AI Lead arrangement is USD $15,000 a month - you can stop any month, with a review at three months. Most engagements start with a Ship Sprint - a two-week paid project at USD $4,000 - so both sides can see how the work goes before committing.
Common questions
What does a fractional CTO do?+
They own the technical direction of a startup or established business part-time - how the software is put together, hiring, vendor choices, and the AI and product plan - while still writing code. Cognitiv offers this as the Fractional CTO / AI Lead arrangement.
How much does a fractional CTO cost?+
Cognitiv's Fractional CTO / AI Lead arrangement is USD $15,000 a month, and you can stop any month. Lighter monthly options that cover building and technical direction start at USD $8,000.
Does a fractional CTO still write code?+
Yes. With Cognitiv, the fractional CTO builds alongside the team rather than only directing it.
Have something you need built?
Start with a Ship Sprint - a two-week paid project that ends with something working, not a document.