Fractional Executive
A fractional executive is a senior C-level leader who works with a company on a part-time basis — typically 1-4 days per week. Common fractional roles include CGO, CMO, CFO, CTO, and CRO. They bring full executive capability at a fraction of the cost and time-to-impact of a full-time hire.
Why Fractional Executive Matters for SaaS Companies
Startups between Seed and Series B face a paradox: they need executive leadership to scale but cannot justify or afford full-time C-suite salaries ($250-400K+). The fractional model solves this by providing senior leadership at 30-50% of full-time cost, with zero recruitment delay. For companies in critical growth phases, fractional executives provide the decision-making and systems-building capability that accelerates through inflection points.
An Operator's Take
The fractional model works because most scaling challenges at the Seed to Series B stage do not require 40 hours per week of executive attention. They require the right decisions made at the right time, backed by experience from having done it before. I typically work 2-3 days per week with each company and deliver more impact than a full-time hire would in the same timeframe — because I am not ramping up, not navigating politics, and not filling time with meetings. The constraint of limited days forces focus on the highest-leverage activities.
Common Mistakes
What I see go wrong at Seed to Series B companies.
Expecting a fractional executive to attend every meeting and be available daily. The model works because of focused, high-leverage engagement — not constant availability.
Confusing fractional executives with advisors. Advisors give advice. Fractional executives embed and execute — they build systems and own outcomes.
Hiring a fractional when what you need is a full-time operator. If the role requires daily execution and team management, full-time may be the right call.
What to Do This Week
Concrete steps you can take right now.
Assess whether your growth challenge requires ongoing daily execution (full-time hire) or strategic direction and systems-building (fractional).
Define specific outcomes for the first 90 days. The best fractional engagements start with measurable objectives.
Evaluate the comparison guides to understand how fractional leadership compares to agencies, consultants, and full-time hires.
Related Resources
Try These Tools
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a fractional executive and a consultant?
Consultants diagnose problems and recommend solutions — they deliver strategy. Fractional executives embed with your team and execute — they build systems, make decisions, manage workstreams, and own measurable outcomes. A consultant leaves you with a deck. A fractional executive leaves you with working infrastructure and an upskilled team.
How much does a fractional executive cost?
Fractional executives typically cost $8,000-$25,000 per month depending on role, seniority, and days per week. This is 30-50% of a full-time C-level salary (which ranges from $250-400K+ plus equity). The cost advantage increases when you factor in zero recruitment fees, no benefits costs, and immediate productivity.
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