Transparent Pricing
Fractional CTO Pricing UK
Senior technical leadership at a fraction of the full-time cost. Here is what you can expect to pay and what affects pricing.
UK Fractional CTO Rates
| Engagement Type | Typical Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Day Rate | £800 - £2,000/day | Project work, assessments |
| 1 Day/Week Retainer | £2,500 - £5,000/month | Advisory, light oversight |
| 2 Days/Week Retainer | £4,500 - £8,000/month | Active leadership, team management |
| 3 Days/Week Retainer | £6,500 - £12,000/month | Deep involvement, critical periods |
These are market rates across the UK. London rates tend toward the higher end. Remote-first arrangements can be more cost-effective.
Fractional vs Full-Time CTO Cost
Full-Time CTO (London)
- Base salary £150,000 - £250,000
- Equity 1-3%
- Employer NI & pension ~£25,000 - £40,000
- Benefits ~£5,000 - £15,000
- Total annual cost £180,000 - £305,000+
Fractional CTO (2 days/week)
- Monthly retainer £5,000 - £8,000
- Equity Usually none
- Employer costs None (contractor)
- Benefits None
- Total annual cost £60,000 - £96,000
The Real Comparison
A fractional CTO at 2 days/week costs roughly 30-40% of a full-time hire. You get senior expertise, strategic thinking, and team leadership - just not every day. For most Seed to Series B companies, that is exactly the right amount.
What Affects Fractional CTO Pricing
Experience Level
CTOs with 15+ years experience, exits, or big-name companies command higher rates. You are paying for pattern recognition and judgement.
Industry Expertise
Specialist knowledge (fintech regulation, healthcare compliance, AI/ML) is scarce and commands premium rates.
Time Commitment
Higher commitment usually means better rates. A 3-day/week retainer typically costs less per day than ad-hoc day rates.
Location
London rates are higher than the rest of the UK. Remote-first arrangements can be more cost-effective while accessing wider talent.
Scope of Work
Pure strategy work commands different rates than hands-on coding. Most fractional CTOs do both, but the mix affects pricing.
Urgency
Need someone to start next week? Expect to pay more. Longer lead times often get better rates.
How I Work
Discovery Call
Free, 30 minutes
Understand your situation, challenges, and goals. No obligation. If there is a fit, we discuss next steps.
Assessment Day
Paid, typically £1,500
Spend a day with your team. You get a written assessment with specific recommendations. No ongoing commitment required.
Ongoing Engagement
Monthly retainer, pricing depends on commitment
Typically 1-3 days per week. Embedded with your team - Slack, standups, 1:1s, the works. Month-to-month, cancel anytime.
I do not publish fixed rates because every engagement is different. The best way to get accurate pricing is a quick conversation about your specific needs.
Is a Fractional CTO Worth It?
The ROI question is not "is £5,000/month worth it?" It is "what is the cost of NOT having senior technical leadership?"
- Bad architecture decisions that cost 6 months to fix
- Wrong technology choices that do not scale
- Bad hires that damage team culture
- Missed fundraising because investors do not trust your tech story
- Technical debt that slows every future feature
A good fractional CTO pays for themselves by avoiding these mistakes. The question is not whether you can afford one - it is whether you can afford not to have one.
Get a Quote
Book a free discovery call to discuss your needs and get accurate pricing.
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