Fractional CTO
Get a fractional CTO for your startup
Senior technical leadership without a full-time hire. Checker has the first conversation on Karan Checker's behalf; then he and his startup team evaluate your idea and pitch how they'd build it.
What a fractional CTO gives you
A fractional CTO brings the judgment of a seasoned technical leader on a part-time basis: choosing the right architecture, avoiding expensive rebuilds, making smart build-versus-buy calls, and keeping security and scale in mind from day one. For an early startup, that judgment is often worth more than raw hours — it's the difference between shipping the right thing and burning months on the wrong one.
Leadership plus a team that builds
AskChecker pairs that leadership with execution. Karan sets direction; AI agents and, where needed, additional hands carry the day-to-day build under his oversight. You get momentum without assembling and managing a full engineering team yourself.
Is a fractional CTO right for you?
- You have a product to build or scale but no senior technical owner.
- You need architecture, security, and roadmap decisions made well — now.
- A full-time CTO with a large equity grant isn't justified yet.
If you'd rather bring someone all-in, look at finding a technical co-founder. If you mainly need something built, see build my idea.
Common questions
What does a fractional CTO do?
A fractional CTO sets technical direction, makes architecture and hiring calls, and keeps the build on track — part-time, for a fraction of a full-time CTO's cost. With AskChecker, AI agents handle much of the hands-on work under that direction.
How much does a fractional CTO cost?
Far less than a full-time CTO with equity. Exact terms depend on scope and stage; some engagements mix a cash rate with a small amount of equity. Checker captures your situation so terms can be discussed sensibly.
When should a startup hire a fractional CTO?
When you need senior technical judgment — architecture, security, hiring, roadmap — but can't yet justify a full-time CTO. It's common at the MVP and early-traction stages.