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STEMExecutive Search

Senior leadership, exactly when you need it.

Access world-class CTO, CDO, and CISO talent on a fractional basis — without the full-time cost or commitment. Or step into high-impact roles that fit your schedule.

Hire a Fractional Executive Learn About Fractional Executive
72hrs
Average time to first qualified candidate
60–80%
Cost saving vs. a full-time executive hire
STEMonly
Deep specialist network across tech, data & security
Day 1 Ready
Executives who deliver, not just advise
The Model

What is a Fractional Executive?

A fractional executive brings full senior-leadership capability at a fraction of the time and cost. Think 2–3 days a week, embedded in your team, delivering real outcomes.

Key Benefits:
  • Immediate Impact — No long onboarding cycles. Fractional execs hit the ground running on day one.
  • Right-Sized Commitment — Need a CTO for a product sprint? A CDO to build your data function? Engage for exactly what you need
  • De-Risked Leadership — Trial a leader before a full-time hire. Many fractional engagements convert — on both sides' terms.
  • STEM-Vetted Network — Every executive in our pool has been screened for delivery track record, not just credentials
How It Compares

Fractional vs. the alternatives

Understanding what you're buying — and what you're not — matters before making the call.

Dimension Consultant Fractional Executive Interim Executive Full-Time Hire
Commitment Project-based 10–24 hrs/week 40+ hrs (temp) 40+ hrs Permanent
Relationship External Embedded in team Temporary bridge Permanent employee
Accountability Recommends only Owns outcomes Full scope Full scope
Cost ₹5–15L/project ₹5–15L/month ₹15–25L/month ₹1–3Cr/year
Speed to Start 1–2 weeks 72 hours 2–4 weeks 3–6 months
Risk Low Low — trial available Medium High
What We Place

Fractional roles we specialise in

Every executive in our pool has been vetted for delivery track record — not just credentials.

⚙️
Technology
Fractional CTO / VP Engineering
Drive technical strategy, manage engineering teams, and scale your product infrastructure — without a full-time commitment.
Tech Strategy Team Building Architecture Product Delivery
📊
Data Leadership
Fractional CDO / Head of Data
Build your data capability from the ground up, implement governance frameworks, and turn raw data into business intelligence.
Data Strategy AI/ML Oversight Governance Analytics
🛡️
Security Leadership
Fractional CISO / Head of Security
Establish security posture, lead compliance initiatives, and build a resilient cyber programme — on a schedule that fits your stage
Cyber Strategy SOC2 / ISO 27001 Risk Mgmt Compliance
🤖
AI LEADERSHIP
Fractional Head of AI / ML
Lead the design and delivery of AI strategy, oversee model development, and ensure your AI investment translates to real product outcomes.
LLM Deployment MLOps AI Strategy Ethics & Safety
📦
PRODUCT LEADERSHIP
Fractional CPO / VP Product
Define product vision, align engineering with business goals, and ship faster — with an operator who's scaled products before.
Product Strategy Roadmapping GTM Alignment User Research
Is This Right for You?

Signs you need a fractional executive

The model works exceptionally well in specific situations. Here's how to know if you're in one.

01

You've outgrown founder-led everything

Revenue is growing but the founding team is stretched thin across functions. Something is suffering — probably all of them.

02

A strategic initiative needs executive ownership

Fundraising, a new market, a security audit, or an AI roadmap. These projects need senior accountability, but the need is time-bounded.

03

You can't yet justify the full-time salary

A great CTO or CISO commands ₹1–3Cr/year. If you're not there yet, fractional gives you that experience at 20–40% of the cost.

04

You want to trial before you commit

Fractional engagements often convert to full-time — but on both sides' terms, with months of mutual trust already built.

The Process

From brief to deployed in days

No lengthy procurement. No guesswork. We move at startup speed.

01

Discovery Call

We learn your business context, the leadership gap, and what success looks like in 90 days. 30 minutes is enough.

02

Role Mapping

We define scope, time commitment, and the precise profile — then match against our vetted executive network.

03

Shortlist in 72hrs

You meet 2–3 pre-screened candidates. No noise. No time wasted on profiles that don't fit.

04

Engagement Begins

We handle the contract, facilitate onboarding, and stay involved to ensure the engagement delivers real outcomes.

Investment

What it actually costs

The numbers make the case for fractional faster than anything else.

Fractional Executive
₹5–15L
/month
Full-time CTO salary ₹1.5–3Cr/yr
Big 4 consultant rate ₹30–80K/hr
Annual fractional cost ₹60L–1.8Cr
Annual saving vs. full-time ₹60L–1.2Cr+
Time commitment 10–24 hrs/week
Contract flexibility Monthly rolling
💡
The math is simple A fractional CTO at ₹10L/month costs ₹1.2Cr/year. A full-time CTO at a Series A startup costs ₹2–3Cr in total compensation. You get the same strategic output at 40–60% of the cost.
📈
Scale up as you grow Need more hours? Upgrade at any time. Reached the stage where full-time makes sense? Many of our placements help build the team to eventually replace them.
🔒
No long-term lock-in Engagements run on monthly rolling contracts. If the fit isn't right, we'll find a better match — at no extra cost to you.
Two Sides

Companies and Executives, both served.

We work with both sides of the equation — matching the right opportunity with the right leader.

For Companies

  • ✓Scaling startup not ready for a full-time C-suite hire
  • ✓Mid-market company with a leadership gap mid-project
  • ✓Going through transformation that needs specialist oversight
  • ✓Board or investors requiring C-level accountability
  • ✓Preparing for a raise, compliance audit, or major launch
  • ✓Want to trial a leader before committing permanently

For Executives

  • ✓Senior leader who wants portfolio variety, not one employer
  • ✓Recently exited exec exploring the next chapter
  • ✓Deep specialist in tech, data, security, or AI
  • ✓Leader who wants equity upside across multiple bets
  • ✓Advisor ready to step into a hands-on delivery role
  • ✓Building a consulting practice alongside board advisory work
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a fractional exec and a consultant? +
Consultants provide recommendations and leave. Fractional executives embed into your team, own outcomes, and share accountability for results. A consultant tells you what strategy to pursue. A fractional executive builds and executes it alongside your team.
How quickly can an engagement start? +
We deliver a qualified shortlist within 72 hours of our discovery call. Most engagements are live within 1–2 weeks, depending on how quickly you move through introductions and contracting.
What does a typical engagement look like? +
Most engagements run 2–3 days per week over 3–12 months. The executive joins relevant leadership meetings, owns specific initiatives, and is available async between sessions. Scope is defined upfront and can be adjusted monthly.
Can a fractional engagement convert to full-time? +
Yes, and it often does. Many of our placements convert to full-time after 6–12 months, once both sides have built mutual trust and the company has reached the revenue stage where a full-time commitment makes sense.
What if the executive isn't the right fit? +
We stay involved throughout the engagement. If something isn't working, we'll identify a better match from our network at no additional cost. Our placements are backed by a structured 90-day check-in process.
How are executives vetted? +
Every executive in our network is screened for delivery track record — not just credentials. We verify outcomes they've driven, check references at the companies they've worked with, and assess fit for the STEM verticals we specialise in: tech, data, and security.
Get Started

Ready to close the gap?

Whether you're building a team or looking for your next role, let's have the right conversation — no recruitment jargon, no wasted time.