Operator-Led Technology Leadership

Fractional CTO Services — Run by an Operator, Not a Consultant

Twenty years shipping software. Fifteen-plus owned SaaS products. I work with funded startups who need a senior technology partner without the senior salary or the equity dilution. Pricing transparent, audit free, ramp-up under a week.

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Shahar Albag

"Recipient of the Start Up Nation Award (Shimon Peres, presenter)"

Proven Impact: Case Study

Scaling Smart: Web Analytics Turnaround

We partnered with a growing web analytics platform struggling with runaway costs and stagnant development. In 6 months, we didn't just cut costs—we rebuilt their engine for sustainable growth.

Optimized engineering workflows & delivery speed
Stabilized core infrastructure for 10x traffic
Launched predictive AI-driven insights features
Implemented rigorous CI/CD & testing protocols

Monthly Cloud Spend

$31,000

$18,000

-42%

Tech Team Cost

$52,000

$24,000

-54%

New AI Features Delivered Ahead of Schedule

Project Duration: 6 Months

What is a Fractional CTO?

What a fractional CTO actually does

A fractional CTO is the senior technologist who would otherwise cost you a full executive comp package — operating part-time, billed monthly, accountable to outcomes.

Unlike an advisor who only talks, or a consultant who merely delivers reports, a fractional CTO is a hands-on operator. We handle architecture design, hiring and vetting senior engineers, team management, deep technical due diligence, and board representation. We sit on your side of the table and make the hard technical decisions so you can focus on growth and product-market fit.

When founders hire one

Founders usually bring in a fractional CTO during specific trigger moments: post-raise scaling when you need to double the engineering headcount, when a technical co-founder departs, when cloud costs start running away, or when preparing for rigorous technical due diligence from top-tier VCs.

You might also need one to close an AI strategy gap, execute architecture rescue on a legacy monolithic codebase, ensure cybersecurity compliance (SOC2/GDPR), or overhaul your DevOps & CI/CD pipelines to stop failed deployments.

How my engagement model works

My approach is built on transparency and rapid impact, leveraging 20 years in the trenches, 500+ ventures supported, and 15+ owned SaaS products.

Every engagement begins with a free discovery call, followed by a comprehensive 48-hour audit of your architecture and engineering processes. Within days, we align on a 30-day tactical plan. You get the expertise of a veteran CTO without the long-term contracts, equity dilution, or hourly billing surprises. Choose from three clear tiers depending on your exact needs.

Transparent Pricing

No equity required. No hidden fees. Cancel anytime.

Fractional CTO

Strategic check-ins, hiring oversight, architecture reviews, and active leadership.

  • Weekly 1:1s and async Slack/email
  • Architecture design & review
  • Hiring support & tech interviews
  • Vendor selection & cloud cost control

Starts At

$4,800/mo

Most founders engage at $4,800–$7,500/month depending on time commitment. Final retainer scoped after the intro call.

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Where I Work

For cities not listed above, contact us directly. We serve founders globally via remote collaboration.

When I Get Called In

The triggers that tell founders it's time to bring on a fractional CTO.

Technical Due Diligence

Audit preparation and defense for your next round.

Team Building & Hiring

Build the engineering team from zero. You raised, and now you need a team.

Architecture Rescue

Refactoring legacy monolithic architecture to scale.

AI Strategy Gap

Implement enterprise-grade AI features.

Vendor & Cloud Optimization

Curbing runaway AWS/GCP costs.

Interim CTO

Stepping in after a technical co-founder departure.

Cybersecurity Compliance

Achieving SOC2, ISO27001, HIPAA or GDPR readiness.

DevOps & CI/CD

Increasing sprint velocity and automating deployments.

Shahar Albag

Shahar Albag

Fractional CTO & Founder

I've spent twenty years shipping software and scaling teams. I started Eternitech in 2005, and today I split my time between Miami and Tel Aviv, staying deeply connected to two of the world's best tech ecosystems.

I'm currently an active CTO at a US startup, meaning my advice isn't theoretical—it's based on what works right now. With over 500 ventures supported, 15+ owned SaaS products, and recognition as a Start Up Nation Award recipient, I bring battle-tested operational reality to your executive team.

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What I Don't Do

Clarity is key to a successful partnership. Here is what is explicitly outside my scope as a fractional CTO:

  • I don't write code on contractMy team does. I architect, manage, and ship.
  • I don't take equity-only dealsI take selective equity deals through Eternitech only — not personally — and only with operator approval.
  • I don't work with competitorsI do not take on companies in industries that compete directly with my current employer.
  • I don't do agency-style fixed-bid projectsMy engagements are retainer-based. We prioritize velocity, quality, and adapting to changing requirements over rigid scope documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you handle Privacy Protection Law (PPL) and GDPR?
As your Fractional CTO, I architect systems with privacy by design from day one, ensuring absolute compliance with local privacy protection laws and maintaining GDPR equivalence so you can sell into the EU friction-free.
Are you available during our working hours?
Yes. We maintain significant overlap with the US East Coast, Europe, and Israel, making it seamless to manage your local R&D team while interfacing with global investors.
Why not hire a full-time CTO from the start?
While having a full-time elite technical leader is great, they cost upwards of $200k–$300k+ annually plus heavy equity. A Fractional CTO gives you the same high-level strategic oversight and architectural direction at a fraction of the cost, preserving equity and cash.
Can you help us pass technical due diligence?
Absolutely. We conduct rigorous audits of your codebase, optimize your cloud infrastructure, and directly interface with investors to prove your technology is secure, scalable, and ready for funding.
Do you write the code yourself?
I don't write code on contract — my team does. I architect, manage, and ship. My focus is on strategic oversight, hiring the right developers, and ensuring they build the right things the right way.
How long does the engagement last?
Engagements are flexible. They can range from a quick 48-hour diagnostic audit to a 3-6 month intensive scale-up phase, or an ongoing retainer for 1-2 days a week until you're ready to hire a full-time VP of Engineering.
What is your pricing model?
Pricing is transparent and tier-based, ranging from $3,000 to $15,000+ per month depending on the level of integration and time commitment required. No hourly billing surprises.
How do you protect our intellectual property?
All IP developed during our engagement is 100% owned by your company. We sign strict NDAs and ensure all vendor and employee contracts reflect full IP assignment to the startup.
How do I know which city page applies to me?
Check the directory below to see if your city is listed. If your startup is based in a city not listed, contact me directly—we serve founders globally via remote collaboration.
What's the difference between you and an advisor or full-time CTO?
An advisor talks and gives high-level advice. A full-time CTO is an expensive employee with a large equity stake. As a Fractional CTO, I am an operator who integrates into your executive team, executes on strategy, and is accountable for outcomes—without the full executive comp package.

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