Need to be strategic with your tech?

You need a CTO. But they’re expensive — so what are your options?

Technology today evolves at lightning speed. With breakthroughs and AI revolutionising industries overnight, companies can no longer afford to take a passive approach to tech.

Whether you’re a startup aiming to disrupt, a mid-sized business battling inefficiencies, or a corporate enterprise modernising to stay competitive, technology must be central to your strategy. And that’s where having a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) becomes essential.

Here’s how to get CTO support for your venture in SA – no matter the budget…

Wait, What is CTO Again?

A CTO, or Chief Technology Officer, is a senior executive responsible for defining and implementing a company's technology strategy. Unlike an IT manager who focuses on operations, a CTO drives long-term growth through technology leadership, ensuring tech investments align with business goals.

It’s kind of like a CEO but for your tech strategy – see our post on: What is a CTO?

And Why Do You Need a CTO?

Without a CTO, businesses risk poor technology decisions that can derail growth and waste resources. Startups often need one to secure venture funding, while established companies require CTO leadership to navigate digital transformation and stay competitive.

MIT research shows companies with a CTO are 45% more likely to surpass peers in innovation and profitability. In fact, having a CTO onboard generally gives you the ability to generate a 60% increase in innovation rates and predicts an up to 40% market share rise by 2032.

Options for Getting CTO Support

1. Get a Technical Co-Founder

In the startup space, you might be lucky enough to find an ideal technical co-founder who can bring skin to the game, offering both technical expertise and a vested interest. However, finding the right partner can be time-consuming and challenging.

Note: this really only works in the early-stage startup phase – a corporate is likely not going to bring someone like this on board for a large venture.

2. Hire a CTO

In the corporate or scale-up space, you could consider hiring someone. A full-time CTO offers dedicated leadership but naturally comes with significant costs. The salary for a good CTO can range between R1 million and R2.3 million per year in South Africa. For many startups and SMEs, this isn’t financially viable.

And, in the corporate space, if you’re not a core-tech company, it might be hard for your HR department to ensure they make the right hire – especially if tech falls outside of their hiring expertise. Not to mention that you might not want to take on additional costs and risks for a venture project.

3. Get CTO Support Instead

Of course, you don’t have to create share deals or take the risk of hiring to get the best tech insights. Another attractive option is getting fractional CTO services. They offer a cost-effective solution, providing high-level leadership without full-time expenses.

A fractional CTO is a highly experienced professional that you use on a part-time basis – normally you get to choose how many hours per day, week or month you want their expertise for. This model allows businesses to access senior technical expertise when needed, making it ideal for startups scaling products or corporates undergoing digital transformation.

What Does a Fractional CTO Do?

Studies by the Digital Transformation Institute indicate that 75% of successful digital transformations involve CTO-led strategies. A Fractional CTO serves as your technology strategist, working alongside leadership to:

• Develop a technology roadmap aligned with business goals.
• Oversee product and engineering teams to ensure scalability and security.
• Evaluate emerging tech like AI and automation.
• Manage cybersecurity and compliance.
• Assist in securing funding through technical credibility.

How Much Does It Cost?

Fractional CTO services in South Africa vary based on engagement type. Hourly rates can vary from R3,000–R6,000+ per hour, while monthly retainers can run R50,000–R200,000+, depending on the scale and your needs.

You can also negotiate flexible project-based pricing, based on your scope and the duration of the project. This flexibility allows businesses to get top-tier leadership without long-term financial strain.

How to Get CTO Support for Your Venture

1. Contact Octoco for CTO Support

Octoco specialises in fractional CTO services, offering product development consulting, hardware engineering, and software solutions – contact us here.

2. Set Up a Complimentary Discovery Call

Discuss your tech needs with our experts and explore tailored solutions.

3. Choose Your Ideal Engagement

Select a flexible model — be it hours per week, a monthly retainer, or project-based support.

4. Go Forth and Conquer the World

With Octoco’s fractional CTOs, including product development consulting, CTO support services, hardware engineering services and software engineering services, you can make informed tech decisions, secure funding, and scale efficiently.

Looking to future-proof your tech strategy?

Talk to Octoco’s engineering consultants today and discover how fractional CTO services can drive your business forward.