Do hardware startups hire a fractional CTO?

[u/Prudent_You9797]

So i have been running my hardware startup for little over 10 years and now that it is more stable, I would like to explore a different avenue.

I was looking into becoming a Fractional CTO or technical advisor (haven't made up my mind yet).

But before I begin, i want to know if hardware startups do hire fractional CTOs or is Full time CTO a better option for them.

I want to know from founders and co-founders if they would hire someone like that, whether pro Bono or for a small equity or even better for a monthly retainer.

I have seen many software startups hiring fractional CTOs, so wanted to scope the hardware, core engineering market for the demand for this title.

[u/testuser514]

I’d probably be okay with an advisor role if they have shipped systems in a particular domain, etc.

[u/Frequent-Log1243]

I think hardware startups would hire this, but I’m not sure I’d sell it as fractional CTO.

[u/Prudent_You9797 → u/Frequent-Log1243]

So how would you position it? Would love to get as much input as possible

[u/iNavin]

It’s is difficult to be a fractional CTO. Honestly, there is always something going on and the CTO always needs to get involved. Being fractional slows the process which is already slow compared with software. So in my opinion it is difficult to be a fractional CTO for hardware.

[u/DenverTeck]

It seems you need to do more homework.

I do not think you understand what an "Fractional CTO" is or what they would do.

Are you currently a "One Man" shop ?? This is why you do not understand what this position really is.

I see you're looking for a paycheck but what will you be offering to any potential client ??

Where have you seen this mystical "Fractional CTO" in software startups ??

Good Luck

[u/Prudent_You9797 → u/DenverTeck]

Well LinkedIn is full of Fractional CTOs for software folks.. but you are right... i do need to do more research before I begin.. Thanks for input, really appreciate it.😊

[u/DenverTeck → u/Prudent_You9797]

A fractional Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is an experienced technology executive who provides part-time, on-demand strategic leadership to a company without the high cost and commitment of a full-time hire. [1, 2]

Please let us all know if you fit this.

[u/hatopument]

I'd start by asking how many hardware startups do you know of that start without a CTO? I'm not saying they don't exist, but they are rare. You've been running your own startup, would you have hired a fractional CTO when you were starting out?

Before you start asking for compensation options and role framing, I would take a step back and ask what value you're bringing to the table, and work out the rest from there.

To add some data points: I would get a technical advisor if they meet two or more of the following:

* founded more than just one company
* took the companies further than I have
* have a business network beyond my network
* hired better people than I've hired
* have better reputation that I have

[u/Prudent_You9797 → u/hatopument]

Yep makes sense.. hardware startups do have their CTOs.. thanks for giving me pointers that really helps.. I need to do more looking, researching..

[u/Head_Car_2922]

Hmm Idk, I would Fractional a CFO, maybe a CMO. But, a CTO, COO, I think should be fully invested folks. But, if you need a specific skill set to solve a big problem, still hire a fractional support in that area. I just know about the CTO title.

[u/root3labs]

More Startups really should have fractional advisors, to be honest. The amount of time & money enthusiastic but inexperienced teams spend learning lessons that professionals figured out long ago is staggering. I am serving as a Fractional Director for one of our long-time clients. Until recently, we just did project work for them, but they have a fairly junior hardware team (most senior hardware engineer has less than five years of experience and all at this company) that needed more guidance (Done With You) than project work (Done For You) to get the hardware through manufacturing.

Don't they have a CTO?
The company has a hardware product with significant software/computer vision and the leadership and CTO are largely Software- and Product-focused, but not experienced with Hardware engineering. They have a tight budget and schedule, so getting to market quickly is a priority. They wanted someone on the Leadership team with a broad hardware background to help with strategic decision-making that could also advise the hardware team on engineering choices, Design for Manufacturing, Project Management, and eliminating low-priority tasks.

Should you be a Fractional CTO?
If you're thinking about doing this, what benefit/ROI will you give your customers? Is your experience and expertise specifically relevant to what they need?

Chad

[u/Prudent_You9797 → u/root3labs]

The problem your clients faced is what we had to go through too and a few newer, younger startups I spoke to. That was the whole reason I thought of going ahead with the fractional service approach.. looks like I may be on the right track... Just need to dig deeper so that I can deliver good ROI for the companies i may work with.. Thanks for the response... really helps...

[u/wurst_katastrophe]

Ja, but not people they don’t know or people who stand out (have a great reputation).

[u/Proud_Aside_5705]

Definity seems like there is a market for early stage hardware start ups that needs technical leadership without full time CTO

[u/Prudent_You9797 → u/Proud_Aside_5705]

Thanks.. I am getting a feel from all the conversations that a fractional CTO may not be the way to package this service. Maybe an advisor.