Subscription Engineer #26: Fractional CTO and why you might need one

Fractional CTO is a professional who provides technology leadership and expertise on a part-time or project basis. They can help companies with technology strategy, product development, and technical operations. They may work with a team of developers, engineers, and other tech professionals to help the company achieve its technology goals. They are often used by small and medium-sized businesses that do not have the resources or need for a full-time CTO.

Subscription or e-commerce companies might need a fractional CTO for several reasons:

1. Technical expertise: Subscription and e-commerce companies rely heavily on technology to operate, and a fractional CTO can provide the technical expertise needed to develop and maintain their systems.
2. Scalability: As these companies grow, they may need to scale their technology to accommodate increased demand. A fractional CTO can help them plan and execute the necessary changes to their systems.
3. Innovation: A fractional CTO can help a subscription or e-commerce company stay competitive by identifying new technologies and trends that can be used to improve their products and services.
4. Cost-effective: Hiring a fractional CTO can be more cost-effective than hiring a full-time CTO, especially for smaller companies or startups. It can also allow for flexibility in terms of the hours and duration of the engagement.
5. Support: Fractional CTO can provide the necessary support during the high-stress periods such as holiday season, product launch, or any other critical time.

Where did this need come from? Not always business needs an in-house development team but technologies are always needed. And that's where fractional CTO may come in handy. For example, if there is a person who wants to launch a shop on Shopify, then fractional CTO can:

• Choose and negotiate with agencies
• Check the results of their work
• Help and set up the necessary no-code tools for development automation
• Help with the growth of the company from a technological point of view

In this situation, it is useful to have one person who will know everything about the company, how they make money, and so on. At the same time, from a cost point of view, this is more reasonable than a full-time employee.

There are several ways to find a fractional CTO:

1. Referrals: Ask other business owners, colleagues, or industry experts if they know of anyone they can recommend.
2. Professional networks: Join professional networks such as LinkedIn, and search for fractional CTOs in your area.
3. Recruiting agencies: Contact recruiting agencies that specialize in technology roles, and ask them to help you find such a person.

It's important to conduct a thorough research and due diligence on the fractional CTO before hiring them, making sure they have the necessary experience, skills, and qualifications to meet your business needs.

And as always, feel free to contact me if you need any advice with your subscription!