Senior tech leadership shouldn't cost you equity, six months, and $400K a year.
A full-time CTO typically costs $300K–$450K+ base, plus benefits, equity, and on-costs. You pay a fraction.
Hiring a full-time exec takes 3–6 months on average. We can be in your stand-up by next week.
Full-time CTOs expect 0.5%–2% equity. Keep your cap table clean — you're paying for outcomes, not ownership.
One full-time CTO knows one company. We've seen what works — and what kills companies — across fintech, SaaS, marketplaces, and more.
Side by side. You decide.
| Lift CTO Fractional |
Full-time CTO hire | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | Flexible engagements | $25,000–$40,000/mo |
| Time to start | This week | 3–6 months |
| AI-native experience | Varies | |
| Equity required | None | 0.5%–2%+ typically |
| Flexibility | Cancel any time | Employment contract |
| Industry experience | Multiple verticals | Usually 1–2 industries |
Fast to start. Immediately impactful. Built to scale with you.
We start with your founders and leadership team. Understand the business model, goals, pain points, and blockers. No lengthy onboarding process — we come prepared and move fast.
We assess your codebase, architecture, delivery process, and team capabilities. You'll know exactly where the risks are, what's costing you speed, and what to fix first.
A clear technology roadmap prioritised against your business goals — plus the first real wins shipped. Your team will feel the leadership from day one, not month three.
Weekly sprints, 1:1s, board reporting, hiring decisions, vendor negotiations — the full CTO remit. We're in the room (or on the call) when it matters. Every week, every quarter.
No 6-month hiring process. No equity. Just senior tech leadership from day one.