Definition
A fractional CTO is an experienced technology leader who works part-time or on a defined engagement, owning tech strategy, architecture and team decisions without a full-time hire. It is also called a part-time CTO or short-term CTO; in plain terms, fractional CTO means you share a senior technology leader's time instead of hiring one full-time.
Why it matters for your business: you get senior technical judgment at the stage you need it, without waiting months to hire.