• WHAT WE DO /
  • WHAT WE DO

The 2025 Market Map of Fractional Technology Leadership

Evidence-based research that finally clarifies a fragmented market of fractional CIOs, CTOS, and CISOs.

Read the Research
Gemini_Generated_Image_va8z9vva8z9vva8z

The Market Map

Independent research confirms Fortium Partners as the #1 fractional CIO/CTO/CISO provider in the U.S. — the only pure-play firm at scale

Ranked #1

Fortium Partners

The only large-scale, pure-play fractional executive firm in the U.S. market with dedicated CIO, CTO, and CISO specialists nationwide.

  • Scale: 180+ named partners across U.S. & Canada
  • Transparency: Complete roster with public bios
  • Coverage: National reach with bench backups
  • Focus: 100% pure-play technology leadership

 

Why choose Fortium: Proven continuity, unmatched depth, and rapid deployment for ongoing or mission-critical leadership needs.

Get in Touch

9 Alternative Categories of Fractional Executive Providers, Mapped by Scale, Transparency, & Risk Profile

Independent Fractionals

Individual consultants operating independently. Largest segment by volume but carries inherent continuity and capacity risks.

  • Scale: Hundreds+ in the U.S. (aggregate)
  • Transparency: Variable (LinkedIn/refs)
  • Risk: High (single-person continuity, capacity constraints)

Why choose: Cost flexibility, direct rapport with the individual.

Watchouts: Backfill/coverage; knowledge concentration in one person.

Freeman Clarke

UK-based firm with strong European presence but minimal U.S. bench depth and market understanding.

  • Scale: 100+ UK principals; ~14 in U.S.
  • Transparency: High (named bios)
  • Risk: Medium (limited U.S. coverage)

Why choose: Credible UK/Europe coverage; structured fractional model.

Watchouts: U.S. bench depth and geography.

Boutique Pure-Plays

High-quality regional firms like Stratafusion and CIOPS with strong local expertise but limited geographic reach and bench depth.

  • Scale: ~25 combined (named leaders)
  • Transparency: High (named bios)
  • Risk: Medium (regional capacity limits)

Why choose: Veteran leaders, hands-on depth, strong local context.

Watchouts: Limited bench for rapid swaps or multi-site coverage.

TECHCXO

Multi-disciplinary executive services firm where technology leadership is one practice among finance, operations, and other C-suite functions.

  • Scale: 120+ partners total; tech leadership is a subset
  • Transparency: High (public partner list)
  • Risk: Medium (tech depth smaller than finance/ops)

Why choose: One-stop shop if you may also need CFO/COO.

Watchouts: Ensure proposed tech leader has true CIO/CTO/CISO pedigree.

Multi-Role Interim Networks

Brokered networks like InterimExecs and Cerius that span all C-suite functions with CIO/CTO as a subset of their broader executive placement services.

  • Scale: Large networks; CIO/CTO subset varies
  • Transparency: Low (no public named rosters)
  • Risk: Medium-High (opaque pipeline; availability dependent)

Why choose: Fast shortlists; breadth across functions.

Watchouts: Visibility into who you'll get; bench vs. "we'll find someone."

Retained Search Hybrids

Search-led firms like CIO Partners offering interim/fractional services as a bridge to permanent placement, with economics often skewed toward full-time hires.

  • Scale: Large candidate databases; ad-hoc interim
  • Transparency: Medium (process visible; candidate names post-intake)
  • Risk: Medium (incentives skew to permanent placement)

Why choose: Interim now + path to full-time via search.

Watchouts: Economics for longer fractional; ensure you're not steered to perm.

Talent Marketplaces

Curated platforms like BTG and Toptal that aggregate independent practitioners with varying quality control and matching processes.

  • Scale: Big networks; quality varies by match
  • Transparency: Medium (profiles post-intake)
  • Risk: Medium-High (continuity rests on individual)

Why choose: Speed, breadth, flexible trials.

Watchouts: You must actively vet; limited institutional backup.

Consulting Firms' VCIO

Traditional consulting firms like RSM and Crosslake offering fractional CIO services, often anchored to project work with methodology-driven approaches.

  • Scale: Firm consultants/contractors; not named publicly as a bench
  • Transparency: Low (people not listed)
  • Risk: Medium (methodology fit; project upsell incentives)

Why choose: If you're already engaging them for adjacent projects.

Watchouts: Independence; ensure strategy isn't vendor/project-driven.

MSP/MSSP "vCIO/vCISO"

Managed Service Providers offering "virtual CIO/CISO" services as an add-on to their implementation services, creating inherent conflicts of interest.

  • Scale: Thousands of providers
  • Transparency: Low-Medium (named if you're a client)
  • Risk: High (inherent conflict: sells both advice & implementation)

Why choose: Lowest cost, basic planning tied to operations.

Watchouts: Independence, executive caliber, and strategic scope.

Read the Research

Market Map Fortium (2)

EBOOK

The CEO’s 2025 Guide to Technology Leadership: How to Choose the Right Fractional CIO, CTO, or CISO.

This ebook, "Independent Market Map of Fractional Technology Leadership (2025)," analyzes the fragmented fractional technology leadership market, categorizing providers like Fortium Partners and independent practitioners. It aims to correct misconceptions by providing an evidence-based market map and guiding CEOs in choosing a fractional technology leader based on scale and risk tolerance.

READ MORE

Key Market Findings

The most striking insights from our comprehensive market analysis

Buyer's Decision Framework

A practical guide to selecting the right fractional executive provider for your needs

Scale Needs

If you need backups, multi-site coverage, or multiple disciplines, avoid single-person models.

Risk Tolerance

If disruption is unacceptable, choose a firm with a real bench.

Independence Check

If they profit from what they recommend, it's not advisory.

Market Fit

Choose leaders with your industry, regulatory, and size pattern experience.

 

Market Commentary

Deep analysis of key market dynamics and buyer considerations

Why Most "Top 10" Lists Mislead

They mix solo consultants, firms, marketplaces, and MSP add-ons as if they're apples-to-apples. They aren't. Our map compares like with like.

 

A solo practitioner and a 180-person firm serve different needs and carry vastly different risk profiles. Smart buyers understand these distinctions.

The Continuity Trap

Great individuals still get sick, hired, or overbooked. Without a bench, continuity and knowledge transfer are fragile.

 

For mission-critical technology leadership, smart buyers either accept these limitations or choose institutional providers with bench depth.

Beware the vCIO Trap

When strategy is sold by your implementer, incentives diverge from independent leadership.

 

MSPs selling "virtual CIO" services face an irreconcilable conflict: they profit from implementing technology solutions they recommend as strategic advisors.

Level up your technology strategy today - sign up for a free consultation.

  • Save time and money
  • Get access to expert IT leadership and guidance
  • Focus on core business priorities
  • Improve IT performance and reliability

Are you a Technology Leader looking to join Fortium as a Partner? Click here